Rushford receives update on legislative action

Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability of the Minnesota legislature to pass a bonding bill for 2020, determining the assistance for non-metro areas of the state is challenging. That was the sentiment shared by Elizabeth Wefel, attorney and lobbyist for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, at the July 27 Rushford Council meeting. Wefel summarized a number of goals and challenges for the Coalition, including those specifically pertaining to Rushford.

With the onset COVID-19, the coalition continued to work, including a renewed emphasis on labor and employment. “It had a big impact on our organizations. At the beginning of the legislative session we were looking at budget surplus and hoping for a bonding bill. That became a $2.4 billion deficit,” explained Wefel. “There were battle lines over Walz’s executive powers.”

“After COVID, one of the goals was how CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) dollars were distributed. We’re working proactively to defend Local Government Aid (LGA) and helping cities navigate the challenges,” she continued. “Frankly we had to push back a lot. It didn’t give a lot back to local government.”

The legislature failed to pass a bonding bill in the first special session, although the governor approved portions including checks from the Department of Revenue in early July. There were $1.8 billion within the CARES Act funds to be distributed. “Proposals were quite small with monies going out to other statewide programs,” noted Wefel. The bonding bill included $1.5 billion in programs and infrastructure. “They’re even more important now with the stimulus that it can provide to the economy,” she added. “It’s very frustrating. We will continue to push for another bonding bill, but I don’t want to raise anyone’s hope.”

Mayor Terri Benson questioned what the biggest push backs to the bill were in conversations at the Capitol. “My understanding was the bill got pretty close as we got towards the end of the session, but they wouldn’t support it without the governor’s executive order.”

“That’s exactly why; because they wanted to rescind executive powers,” stated Councilor Jim O’Donnell.

This is not the first time a bonding bill hasn’t happened. Previously, they had been skipped every other year or so. “If we don’t get one done during a special session, we will be pushing for it as soon as the legislature comes back in session. There are a lot of things that need to move forward,” stressed Wefel.

“Looking ahead, projections were redone and showed a $2.4 billion deficit for the state. We pushed them to pay LGA on time and in full; that’s our motto — on time and in full.” An updated budget projection is expected in August. “Our cities are facing budget concerns and we’re working to protect that part of your budget.”

Additional challenges the coalition is tackling this year include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). “They’re problematic and are considered forever chemicals. They’re found in bodies of water across the state,” explained Wefel. “Removing them from water is expensive, but the bigger problem is that removing them from wastewater is not chemically feasible at this time. [Wastewater] operators concerned that cities would be held responsible.”

The coalition is partnering with a number of cities to deal with the issue and educate the public. “We spent a lot of time pushing back on that. We don’t want cities held responsible for a problem they didn’t create.”

“What can’t get clarified goes downstream and that’s us,” added City Administrator Tony Chladek. There are some tests to determine if PFAS contaminants are in local water, but not for all of them. According to Wefel, while Rushford is on the list for sulfate monitoring, it’s not for PFAS.

Childcare is another issue of increasing priority. “We were hopeful. It was a top priority for the house, but it was challenging,” noted Wefel. “There was money put in emergency funds and 53% of it went to greater Minnesota care providers. Federal funds helped in June, and funds for emergency personnel in July, but we’re worried about the long term impact on childcare in Minnesota.”

“The November election could shift the power dynamics in the legislature and the pandemic will continue to impact the process,” concluded Wefel. “We appreciate Rushford being a part of this. We have a wide membership base from across that state that actively participate in making changes.”

In other news, the council approved a donation from the Rushford Lions Club and Rushford Community Foundation for a wooden top for the gabion wall that was installed atop Magelssen Bluff. The bench has been a big hit with park goers and has been a topic of interest for visitors.

The Library Board met earlier in the month and made the decision not to change its current offerings to the public. The library will remain closed to visitors, except by appointment or curbside pickup. “We’re waiting to see what happens with schools,” explained O’Donnell who is a member of the Library Board. “For now, we’ll remain as is.”

Further clarification regarding changes to Harter’s Quick Clean services was also discussed. According to Clerk Kathy Zacher, the company has been swamped with calls since a letter detailing the changes went out to customers. Rushford customers are now given the option of using red bags or a 65-gallon tote. Recyclables are picked up every other week.

“They’re not the only ones doing this,” noted Councilor Sally Ryman. “There’s cost savings in not making route twice. There’s no money in recycling anymore.”

The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, August 10, at 6:30 p.m. At this time, council meetings will remain online via Zoom platform. Those interested in the meeting should contact city hall for instructions.