At the Monday, December 10 meeting, the Rushford City Council unanimously approved setting the 2019 property tax levy at $936,000. This represents a 2.52% increase over 2018 levy of $913,000. The 2.52% is a net increase, representing a 5.43% decrease in debt service, but a 2.91% increase in operating costs. The $23,000 increase will provide an additional $6,500 to the General … [Read more...]
Lanesboro council approves property tax levy
During the December 3 Lanesboro City Council meeting, the council paused the meeting at 6 p.m. to hold a Truth in Taxation Hearing. After the property tax levy and budget were discussed, the public was invited to speak and to ask questions of the council. There were no questions asked by any residents in attendance. What this means for residents is a property tax increase … [Read more...]
Marin to join Ostrander Council
On December 3, the Ostrander City Council held a regular meeting. Members in attendance included Vernon Thompson, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, and DJ Start. Heidi Jones and City Clerk Wendy Brincks were absent. Because of the resignation of Council member Heidi Jones, the Ostrander Council had a vacancy to fill. The resignation letter from Jones to the city stated, in … [Read more...]
Rushford Village preps for final budget; puts end stamp on project
At the Tuesday, December 4 meeting, the Rushford Village Council conducted the annual Truth in Taxation meeting. No citizens were present with comments. The council has noted there were funding shortfalls in 2018. “We need to take serious consideration of what our budget is, as well as where we are with some of the things we may need,” said Mayor Gordon Johnson. “We did have … [Read more...]
New 60 mph speed limits to go into effect on Hwy 43
Motorists using Highway 69 near Albert Lea and Highway 43 from Mabel to Winona will see speed limits raised to 60 mph where the previous posted limit was 55 mph on the two-lane roadway, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The speed limits become official once the new signs are in place. Crews expect to post the signs in the coming weeks, weather … [Read more...]
MnDOT urges motorists to be cautious when driving near snowplows
ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snow removal operations. MnDOT snowplows have already been involved in crashes with the public this year. “Our snowplow operators are seeing inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to the plow and motorists driving too fast for conditions,” said Todd … [Read more...]
Preston 2019 budget/levy presented
City Administrator Joe Hoffman presented details of the proposed 2019 budget/levy at the city council’s December 3 meeting. The presentation was an opportunity for the public to hear the details and to make comments on the proposed budget/levy, as required by state law. No one from the public attended this meeting. The proposed levy includes a 5% increase over 2018, or an … [Read more...]
Sidewalk issue in Chatfield
As part of the 2019 Highway 52 improvement project, installation of a sidewalk on the west side of the highway from Highway 30 north to the southern edge of the north entrance to the car dealership (near the city limits), has become an issue for some property owners in Chatfield. The city council at its November 26 meeting after a lengthy discussion decided to support requests … [Read more...]
Spring Valley okays sledding event
At the start of the regular meeting of the Spring Valley City Council on November 26, Mayor Struzyk swore in John Dols as a new council member, filling the vacancy caused by the departure of Jessy Betts. All members of the council were present (Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, John Dols, Mike Hadland, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). No citizens had signed up to … [Read more...]
Rushford reviews new housing development study
At the Rushford City Council meeting on November 26, members heard a presentation for a housing development on an existing property located west of town. Bolton & Menk, an engineering planning and consulting firm, had been commissioned by the city to conduct a feasibility study for the approximately 100 acres near Trunk Highway 30 that is currently owned by the Woxland … [Read more...]