Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
Following significant recent discussion, the Rushford Village Council approved a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase at the December 6 meeting for its four city employees: Clerk Mary Miner, Treasurer Judy Graham, Public Works Supervisor Trenten Chiglo, and Public Works’ Jeff Michel. At the December 20 meeting, Mayor Dennis Overland brought the issue back for further discussion after it was discovered the council deliberated the increases using the incorrect figure to determine the total annual expense of the increase.
After a motion and second to reconsider the topic, Overland noted the mistake. At the time, it was stated a 3% increase was $2,400 annually. The amount is actually $4,596.
“Do we want to change it or leave as is?” asked Overland. He added that he personally hadn’t taken the amount into consideration when making his previous vote, only the percentage amount. “I was thinking three percent the whole time.”
“It seems like a significant jump,” said Councilor Bob Hart.
“That’s why we’re having this conversation,” responded Overland.
“I know our numbers were off, and there’s some opposition, but I think it’s a show of confidence to our employees. The cost of living is up. I’d like to leave it,” suggested Councilor Mike Ebner.
The council voted to keep the 3% increase 4:1 with Councilor Rick Ruberg opposed. The new amount is figured into the 2023 budget.
Following the discussion, the council approved the final levy for 2023. “I can’t tell what the future is going to bring, but I think you could lower it without problems,” said Miner. Potential future costs reviewed included the maintenance shed project, County Line Drive and Gilbertson Road repairs, work on Aspen Road that includes the bridge, and preparations for equipment.
“It’s nice to have a little cushion,” suggested Overland.
There is currently $50,000 in the building fund for that project. County Line Road temporary repairs done this year may stave off the bigger long-term solution work, at least on a year-by-year basis. Chiglo is working with the Department of Natural Resources on addressing Gilbertson Road, but nothing is determined yet. $75,000 is set aside in the budget for roads.
Certificates of Deposit (CD) are set aside for equipment, as well as water, parks, and roads. The Finance Committee of Hart and Ruberg, along with Miner, plan to meet with the bank to determine if CDs are the best investment for the village.
Local Government Aid to the city isn’t expected to drop. “It’s supposed to be there. The state has a surplus,” noted Overland. Additionally, Councilor Mike Ebner noted there was some discussion recently about infrastructure funding becoming available to Minnesota cities.
The council opted to reduce the final levy to $500,000. The amount represents a 3.1% increase over 2022.
“We’re at the low end of cities [tax rates] in the county,” said Ebner.
“It shows we’re being reasonable and not getting carried away,” added Councilor Roger Knutson, whose term expires at the end of the year. Travis Link will be serving in the position beginning January 1.
“Thanks. It was a great opportunity and a chance to look at how local government works,” said Knutson at the meeting’s end. “I encourage everyone to get involved, if not on a council then on a committee, or come to meetings.”
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, January 17, at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall. The annual meeting will include several annual items including official designations, committee appointments, as well as general business. The public is encouraged to attend.
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