At the Tuesday, December 18 meeting, the council formally approved the 2019 budget and levy in the amount of $435,000. The preliminary levy had been certified at $450,000 in September. This was $25,000 more than the 2018 levy. There were no comments at the Truth-In-Taxation hearing and the Village is banking for some major equipment upgrades in the coming years. “I don’t see … [Read more...]
Heather Ptacek first female Preston VFW commander
Heather Ptacek recently made history when she was elected commander of the Preston VFW in Preston, Minn. “I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet,” says Ptacek, but she is certainly up for the challenge as she has faced much more intimidating circumstances while serving in the military. Ptacek grew up in Preston and graduated from Fillmore Central School. She joined the … [Read more...]
County reviews list of legislative priorities
At the December 11 County Board meeting, commissioners reviewed a list of 2019 legislative priorities. At their upcoming December 18 meeting, Rep. Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller will be present to hear the county’s legislative preferences. Commissioner Duane Bakke noted the priority list document grows year to year. He suggested that next year there be more discussion … [Read more...]
Spring Valley taxation discussed, levy set
A large crowd was on hand for the annual Truth in Taxation meeting, which was held immediately prior to the Spring Valley City Council’s regular meeting on December 10. All members of the council were present: Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, John Dols, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Several homeowners spoke up about the significant increase in … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing
About a dozen property owners attended the public hearing regarding the Fillmore County 2019 budget and levy. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman reviewed 2018 county activities and the 2019 proposed budget. One 2018 highlight is the active participation in legislation that resulted in a significant increase in County Program Aid for 2018 and 2019 and a leveling of CPA from … [Read more...]
Chatfield certifies 2019 Levy
City Clerk Joel Young reported on the proposed 2019 budget and levy during the Truth in Taxation hearing at the city council’s December 10 meeting. This will be the council’s last meeting of the year. The city staff budget will cause a tax levy increase of 4.97%; these increases are structural and driven by inflation. The main driver of the tax levy increase for 2019 will be … [Read more...]
Peterson makes a plan for upgraded electrical metering
The City of Peterson has made at least a partial move towards possibly upgrading electric meters. MiEnergy had previously supplied city staff with an estimate of roughly $28,000 to upgrade all meters to electronic reading capabilities. On several instances the council has previously discussed the issue, but hesitated to make any sort of decision, trying to weigh potential … [Read more...]
Harmony Fire Department commissions firefighter memorial statue
Chris Skalen from the Harmony Fire Department was present at the December 11 Harmony City Council meeting to ask the council to approve a down payment on a 70” bronze statue of a firefighter from Brodin Studios, Inc. in Kimball, Minn. The statue will be placed beside the fire station with benches and landscaping to complete the memorial. So far, approximately $52,000 has been … [Read more...]
New vehicles for Mabel
On December 10, the Mabel City Council held a regular city council meeting, which included the annual Truth in Taxation public hearing. Members in attendance included Gary Morken, Liz Folstad, City Clerk Karen Larson, and Kirsten Wyffels. Due to the mayor’s absence, Folstad led the meeting. No citizens were on hand to ask questions during the Truth in Taxation hearing. … [Read more...]
Wykoff to seek new city attorney
The Wykoff City Council met in regular session on November 13, with all council members in attendance: Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, City Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett and Richard Gleason. Also attending was Assistant Clerk Luann Hare. An item that generated much discussion was a dispute from Mike Shaw regarding a recent repair charge on his sewer … [Read more...]