At the brief Monday, December 23 meeting, the Rushford City Council voted unanimously to approve the $973,000 property tax levy for 2020. The amount represents a 3.95% increase over 2019. No comments were lodged at the Truth In Taxation meeting held December 9.
“The overall tax rate went down and we’re staying within our goal,” noted Mayor-elect Terri Benson. The largest portions of the levy are being designated for General Fund Expenditures and debt obligations. “I don’t see anything large standing out.”
“Compared to other cities in the county, we’re not out of line; we’re holding steady,” added City Clerk Kathy Zacher.
The meeting also brought notes of thanks from those on the council, as well as former City Administrator Steve Sarvi, who was in attendance. Mayor Chris Hallum was lauded by Sarvi for his leadership during some difficult years.
Several updates were noted by staff. This included discussion on the ongoing repairs at the Municipal Airport following the large hangar fire this past October. Repairs to the lounge exterior have been completed. Minimal indoor smoke damage has been rectified on its own.
The recently scheduled power outage, December 19/20, was a success. Done cooperatively by Dairyland Power Cooperative, MiEnergy, and the city, the objective was to replace damaged transmission poles. Inspections in the area had alerted the cooperative to areas subject to further damage and outages from winds and needing immediate attention. The outage went as planned and no issues were reported.
Meetings for the upcoming work on the Highway 30/West Jessie Street and Stevens Avenue areas of the city continue. A recent meeting for businesses had a low turnout, but it was noted discussion was productive. Concerns from businesses include sidewalk dimensions and proposed bump outs at intersections. A letter will be sent from the city regarding another upcoming meeting with business owners. Those that do not RSVP to the meeting invitation will be contacted via phone.
A residential meeting brought 10 interested households; five from the north and five from the south side of Stevens Avenue. Overall, it was noted they liked the proposals of more sidewalk, but understood the concern of work on the north side of the street with its steep terrain. A sidewalk/walking surface to Magelssen Bluff was very well received.
“There’s been so much thrown at them all at once,” said Benson. “They need time to process it all.” Further updates on the project are expected.
Plans for a possible Conditional Use Permit for Wellhouse Ministries at the former R-P Schools site, are undergoing legal review by the city’s attorney. Administrator Tony Chladek indicated information regarding permitting would be provided by the January 27 meeting. Legal counsel may attend the February 10 meeting.
The council was largely impressed by the attorney’s background dealing with Conditional Use Permits. It was noted by Chladek that the attorney noted this particular case as a unique proposal, one he’s not likely to see again in his career.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, January 13, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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