At the August 24 meeting of the city council Interim City Administrator Michelle Marotzke was given the go ahead to look into a possible Purchase Option Agreement with the Fillmore Central School District.
The Swimming Pool Committee has recommended looking into the possible purchase of land north of the ball field (soccer field) at Fillmore Elementary School. Marotzke made it clear that any agreement will be contingent on the passage of the referendum in November. The school superintendent is reviewing the opportunity with the district’s facilities committee. This is one of two sites the committee is considering; the other site, ranked second as a choice, is where the current pool is located. Marotzke noted they don’t know what is under the current pool.
Mayor Kurt Reicks asked if another location for the pool is found, could the current pool be open for another year. Marotzke said that would depend on what the Minnesota Department of Health decides.
Three public meetings are being planned to inform the public about the cost of the project and the tax impact of bonding. It will also be an opportunity for the public to comment and provide input.
2027 Budget
The first draft of the 2027 budget was presented. Marotzke thanked Sheila Marzolf and staff for their work on the budget. The 2027 budget as requested by the departments requires a property tax levy increase of 5.05%. Local Government Aid will be $540,301, or an increase of just $592 over 2026. Every one percent of levy increase is about $12,740. The total 2027 levy possibly will be $1,413,252, or an increase of $67,989. An estimated 15% increase in health insurance is figured into the budget; the actual increase is uncertain at this point. Salaries will be increased 3.5%.
Other Business in Brief
• City hall will require additional work with the window/door portion of the project. In 2017 when the canopy was put on there were windows above that area that are now plywood. Brackets are rusting; the steel frame will need to be removed in the front of the building from floor to ceiling and the gap that had windows before the canopy was installed will need to be closed. A quote from Quality Construction in the amount of $9,310 was accepted. The city pays 75% of the cost and Preston Public Utilities pays the other 25%. City hall improvements previously approved include doors/windows, door control, and carpet.
• Mandy Huston, Preston Tourisn and Preston Area Chamber of Commerce Director requested a street closure for the Touch-A-Truck event during the Autumn Trail event. The closure will be on October 3, 10:30 a. m. until 1:30 p.m. The location is Main St. SW from St. Paul St. to St. Anthony St. SW. The alternate location is River St. SE between Preston Protein Dry Plant and Depot Museum and Riverfront Center (DMRC).
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