At the Mabel City Council meeting on December 14, Jeff Engen asked the council members for some clarification on a recent policy change concerning utility bills. At their October meeting, the council decided to drop the $200 deposit for new utility customers and make landlords responsible for collecting utility payments from their renters. Unpaid utility bills will be … [Read more...]
County Truth in Taxation hearing
The annual Truth in Taxation public hearing was held on December 13. County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman presented an overview of 2016 and took a look into 2017. During 2016, the county has been active in efforts to get the formula for County Program Aid revised by state. County aid was increased in 2016, but like many rural counties, Fillmore County has seen reductions in CPA … [Read more...]
Harmony Council renews garbage contract with Waste Management
The council reviewed the bid tabulations for garbage and recycling pickup at their December 13 meeting. Bids were received from five different companies ,with most having options for either bags and bins or carts. It was pointed out that moving to cart service would mean that residents wouldn’t have to buy garbage bags anymore. The different sizes of carts were discussed, … [Read more...]
Whalan City Council holds hearing, then meeting
The Whalan City Council met for a special public hearing on December 12, 2016 at 5 p.m. to hear a response from a resident in regards to junk items on their premises. The council felt it had become a nuisance. With City Attorney Terry Chiglo in attendance, the council heard from a member of that household who attended the hearing to respond to a nuisance order. The resident … [Read more...]
Chatfield adopts 2017 budget and levy
At the December 12 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, City Clerk Joel Young took a look back at 2016 and ahead to 2017. During the Truth in Taxation hearing, Young detailed capital acquisitions made in 2016, topping the list was the purchase of a pumper/rescue truck. Some of the other capital expenditures included the replacement of the front steps of the Thurber Building … [Read more...]
Democracy works at Houston City Council meeting
The Houston City Council dealt with many issues in its last meeting of the year, but one in particular took center focus. After beginning the meeting at 6 p.m., the council moved into a public hearing on the 2017 City Budget. City Administrator Chris Peterson laid out the budget changes, including a 4% tax levy increase to cover projected expenses for city vehicles. This is … [Read more...]
Rushford reviews work; looks to future
The Monday, December 12 Rushford council meeting focused heavily on a recap of 2016 city projects as the city preps for setting the property tax levy for 2017. Nearly a full hour of the relatively short agenda hit at the projects, as well as proposed projects for the next year. Public Works Director Roger Knutson presented the information and noted that improvements, … [Read more...]
Kingsland drivers get paid holidays
The Kingsland School Board met in a special session at 6:30 p.m. on December 1, to address an issue regarding salary concerns from the school’s bus drivers. All board members were in attendance, as well as Superintendent John McDonald. Approximately ten citizens were in the audience. In a recent letter to the editor, the bus drivers stated that, (in part), “In a draft agreement … [Read more...]
Preston property tax increase questioned
Marc Sather, Jailhouse Inn, insisted that the 11% increase in his property taxes is too high. He raised numerous questions at the Preston City Council’s December 6 meeting. City Administrator Joe Hoffman reviewed the numbers in the preliminary budget/levy for 2017 during the city’s Truth in Taxation public hearing. The total levy for 2017 is expected to be $831,494, or a … [Read more...]
Rushford Village looks to wrap up road project
Rushford Village is nearing the end of its 2016 road improvement project and there is hope it could end with cooperation from contractor McHugh Excavating. At the council’s December 6 meeting, discussion centered largely on wrapping up the $878,000 plus project and the best path to doing so. The council has been forthcoming with frustrations, but is looking to offer a … [Read more...]