The total preliminary levy in the amount of $2,885,640 for property taxes payable in 2026 was certified at the city council’s September 22 meeting. This represents an increase of $147,277, or 5.378 % over the 2025 levy. The final levy to be considered in December can be the same or lower, not higher. The Truth in Taxation Hearing will be held Monday, December 8.
Councilor Paul Novotny was absent this day.
A resolution in support of the development/design and construction of the city’s wastewater treatment facility was adopted. The city has included funding in its 2026 budget to satisfy the required local match. The project will be submitted to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) with a bonding request in the amount of $20 million dollars.
Employee Recognition
Mayor John McBroom reported Steve Schlichter passed his Class A Wastewater Test through MPCA; McBroom presented Schlichter with his certification to operate the wastewater treatment facility.
McBroom then presented Mitch Irish with a certificate recognizing his 10 years of service with the city of Chatfield.
City Clerk Beth Carlson (MCFOA president) noted the importance of keeping up with training and education. She presented Desiree Schlichter with her Minnesota Certified Municipal Clerks designation from Municipal Clerks and Finance Officers of Minnesota (MCFOA).
Other Business in Brief
- Aaron Johnson, philanthropy director at the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), reminded councilors that SMIF is a donor-supported foundation that promotes economic growth in a 20-county region including south central and southeast Minnesota. Activities are directed toward early childhood education, support of entrepreneurship, and community vitality.
For every dollar donated from Olmsted County $12 has been invested into Olmsted County communities through grants (94), loans (956), and programming with a total of $20 million invested. For every dollar donated from Fillmore County $32 has been invested into Fillmore County communities through loans (29), grants (498), and programming with a total of $14 million invested.
- Bill Spitzer, director of transportation for Rolling Hills Transit, reported that they serve a five-county area including Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted and Winona Counties. He reviewed data on ridership in 2024 when 50,000 passengers were served. Anybody can ride on these buses; there is a lift to accommodate disabled individuals. The buses provide public transportation for school, appointments, work, shopping, or anywhere someone wants to go. This is affordable transportation for everyone in rural communities. Semcac Transportation also includes the Volunteer Driver Program and “Care a van” medical transport.
Spitzer noted the most recent bus purchased cost $193,000. He thanked the council for their past contributions. The buses run currently Monday through Thursday. Spitzer’s goal is to run the buses five days a week. Councilor Mike Urban told Spitzer that the transportation service provided is an invaluable service.
- A formal Service Recognition Program policy was approved as recommended by the Personnel/Budget Committee. The policy recognizes an employee’s service at anniversary milestones in five-year increments. At each five-year milestone an employee will be provided with “Chatfield Dollars” in an amount depending on the years served. The policy applies to all full-time and part-time employees of the city.
- The hire of Janoah Haugen was approved as a volunteer EMT.
- Beth Carlson reported she was in Washington, D.C. this last week meeting with our legislators in support of small city priorities. She was representative of Minnesota Association of Small Cities which includes cities with populations under 5,000. Carlson said there are 854 cities in Minnesota, of those 702 have populations under 5,000.
- The closure of two streets adjacent to City Park and the use of City Park on Saturday, October 4, for Chatfield Fall-al-poolza and Family Fund Ag Day was approved.
- Donations in the total amount of $153 from Sue Dornack Quilters ($45) and Stitch Witches Quilters ($108) to be used for capital purchases at the Chatfield Public Library were accepted.
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