At the April 1 meeting of the Preston City Council, City Administrator Joe Hoffman cited reasons for the recent S&P Global bond rating of AA-/Stable for the city. This is a downgrade from an AA rating received by the city in 2013. That year the city was upgraded from AA- to AA. One reason for the downgrade is the city’s reserves have decreased as a percentage of … [Read more...]
Rushford Village hears from residents regarding water issues
At the Tuesday, April 2 Rushford Village Council meeting, discussion centered around the same issue that’s been highlighted at other recent meetings: water. Significant snowfall depths and spring thawing has been a pain in the side of the city for weeks, particularly in the south Rushford residential area. The area has identified for years as one needing some hefty drainage … [Read more...]
County sets physical location of taxpayer services offices
Over the last couple of months the county board has been considering a shuffling of offices for Tax Payer Services to fit them all on one level of the courthouse. On April 2 the board came to an agreement and unanimously approved a new office arrangement. Lands Records Director Brian Hoff and Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones were concerned about space and noise. Hoff addressed … [Read more...]
Fountain irons out right of way issues
“This whole town is screwed up with right of ways.” That was the sentiment from Fountain Public Works Director John Hanson at the Wednesday, April 3 council meeting. During the meeting, Clerk Rhonda Flattum and Mayor Jim Schott detailed for the council that the city had done some investigating with Fillmore County. It was determined that Cedar Street, which runs parallel to … [Read more...]
Walz releases revised budget proposal
Governor Tim Walz (DFL) announced his revised budget on March 22 for the 2020-21 biennium (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021). The budget was revised due to the predicted economic slow down. Forecast numbers released late in February suggest that the state’s surplus will be closer to $1 billion, a half a billion less than the prior forecast. The revised budget totals $49.35 … [Read more...]
Chatfield replaces ToolCat/sweeper
The March 25 Chatfield City Council meeting was relatively brief. Brian Burkholder, Public Works, asked for approval to replace the 2015 ToolCat and sweeper attachment. The lowest of two quotes was received from Bobcat of Coole Region, Inc. out of Dresback. The total with trade for the purchase of a 2019 ToolCat is $11,555 and the total with trade for the new sweeper … [Read more...]
County supports long term sustainable funding for transportation
Fillmore County Commissioners, at their March 26 meeting, voted unanimously to adopt a resolution encouraging the Minnesota Legislature to pass a bill that provides adequate funding for Minnesota’s statewide transportation system. This resolution is supported and advocated by the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) and the Minnesota Transportation Alliance. Chairman Duane … [Read more...]
Rushford crosses fingers on grants; holds project hearings
The City of Rushford is hoping application to two Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grants will provide funding for two projects long in the works. The items were discussed at the Monday, March 25 council meeting. The first is a funding from an outdoor recreation grant program. The goal is to construct a paved trail to the Rushford-Peterson Schools site, their athletic … [Read more...]
Preston approves purchase of veterans home site
At the March 18 Preston City Council meeting, the purchase of 16.6 acres from Robert Doherty was unanimously approved. The total cost for the property is $232,400. The city paid $15,000 against the purchase price months ago to extend the option. The remaining cost for the city is $217,400. This is about an acre and a half more than the city initially intended to purchase. The … [Read more...]
Jordan Fontenello announces candidacy for District 3 County Commissioner
My name is Jordan Fontenello, and I want to work for you as your next District 3 Fillmore County Commissioner. I have lived and worked in Southeastern Minnesota for most of my life, and have been a resident of Fillmore County for more than 20 years. Together with my wife Rebecca (daughter of Duane and Kathy Mensink), and our son Aeric, we live in Greenleafton, a small community … [Read more...]