The Rushford City Council took steps at the August 22 meeting to clarify the process for deferred assessment applications. The city’s assessment policies have been in place since the start of reconstruction projects in 2009. Eligibility requirements to gain deferment are in the policy. To date, there have been no applications for an assessment deferral with a city project.
“In the policy, it makes note that we can consider deferred assessments per Minnesota statute. Eligibility is usually for a hardship or age,” said City Clerk Kathy Zacher. “The way the state statute reads, interest accrues every year. It all has to be paid in full when the home is sold, the applicant doesn’t live there anymore, or is no longer eligible. We will certify only the principal to the county.”
The city learned of another option for assessment relief for senior citizens through the Minnesota Department of Revenue. “Entire taxes can be deferred if eligible. They only pay a small percentage of their household income,” Zacher continued. “The state pays it to the city, county, and school and has a lien on your house. When sold, the state gets the money back. Everyone that was asking about deferred assessments will be made aware.”
The city will share the information with South East Minnesota Citizens Action Council (SEMCAC), on social media, and with other organizations assisting people having difficulty making ends meet. “It’s all working to keep people in their homes,” added Mayor Terri Benson.
As a reminder, Zacher stated that property owners have the option to pay part or all of the assessment, with no interest, by November of this year. After that, the balance will be certified to the county for addition to the property tax rolls, with interest for ten years. Property owners can pay the assessment balance in full at any time.
The Highway 30 project updates to the council included notice that underground utility work for Phase 2 between Bluffview Road and Stevens Avenue will continue through September. After it, access for properties west of Bluffview Road will change. Transite pipe, uncovered during the project, was removed successfully. Phase 1, Mill Street to Stevens Avenue, will become more accessible as completed with pavement and sidewalk. The final sidewalk, signage, and lighting will be progressing.
The council also approved an agreement with KLM Engineering for reconditioning the interior and exterior of the city’s water tower. The 100,000-gallon single pedestal tower was built in the 1970s and received inspections and repairs from KLM in the past. The original proposal quoted work for 2021-2022, but the company will honor the earlier quote. Work will take place in spring 2023.
“They’re familiar with the system and work done. This is all they do. The city engineer is comfortable with us going this route,” noted Zacher.
The council did question the design, color scheme, and writing font for the updates. Any specific design requests would be an additional cost. Zacher indicated that Public Works doesn’t like the current block lettering and its positioning on the tower. “Companies are just booked. We figure if we get all this ready now and go out for bids, we can get it on the calendar for next year,” she added.
While work will not affect water availability to residents and businesses, some areas may notice less pressure temporarily. Remediation for the discovery of any lead-based paint might lengthen the project timeline. “The proposal is to do everything and be done with it,” said Zacher. Funding for the work is in place.
Also approved was a recommendation to upgrade the city’s website through gov.office programs. Previously, there were two tiers of site work available, but they’ve been consolidated. “It’s all the benefits of the upper scale sites at the mid-scale price,” said City Administrator Tony Chladek.
The city opted to go with the same company for reliability, ability to make in-house site changes, upgrading security, and inclusion of all Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility needs. With the upgrades, the site will include functions for filling out documents and paying bills directly on the site. “The idea is to make it more user-friendly, but it’s going to take time.”
The process will take 14 weeks. American Recovery Act funds will cover the cost for now. Going forward, the city will likely use its revenue from Public, Educational, or Governmental (PEG) funds and franchise fees.
The city budget and preliminary levy are due by September 30 and will be adopted at one of the next two meetings. The final levy is due December 28. City staff is working to keep increases minimal, avoiding large jumps in levy percentage.
During notices, Councilor Sally Ryman thanked the council, city staff, and a team of 40 volunteers for a successful Bluff Land triathlon event. “Everyone was so grateful for the condition of the trail and Magelssen Bluff,” she said. “Lots of kudos to everyone who helped. It’s a great opportunity for the city.” According to Ryman and organizers, 75 percent of participants hailed from out of town and a majority had no personal family connection in the city.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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