The annual Truth in Taxation public hearing was held on December 13. County coordinator Bobbie Vickerman presented an overview of 2016 and took a look into 2017. During 2016, the county has been active in efforts to get the formula for County Program Aid revised by state. County aid was increased in 2016, but like many rural counties, Fillmore County has seen reductions in CPA … [Read more...]
Flu vaccine available
Give yourself and your family the gift of health this winter by getting a flu shot. Fillmore County Public Health is offering flu vaccinations on November 23 from 1-4 p.m. at their office located at 902 Houston Street NW, Suite 2, Preston, Minn. The cost of the flu vaccination is $30.00 each. Adults with Medicare Part B and/or Medicare Advantage Plans and both adults and … [Read more...]
County discusses key employee positions
At the November 8 meeting of the County Board, possible structural adjustments for a couple of key employees were discussed. Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing, had submitted her resignation, which was accepted at the October 25 meeting. She resigned to maintain family life balance. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman said Erickson was willing to do the work of the … [Read more...]
Maintenance Supervisor Schultz to head solid waste department
Restructuring of the Solid Waste Department following the retirement of solid waste administrator Jon Martin took a step forward at the county board’s November 1 meeting. County Engineer Ron Gregg had considered taking over as department head of Solid Waste, but declined to take on the additional responsibility for the pay offered. Building maintenance supervisor Terry … [Read more...]
County to contract with Waste Management
By Karen Reisner Solid Waste Administrator Jon Martin reported at the county board’s October 25 meeting that the county has received two proposals for waste and recycling services. Waste Management and Harter’s Quick Clean-up offered their rates for landfill and recycling services. While there would be significant savings with Harter’s for landfill services, WM had … [Read more...]
Emergency cardiac arrest research presented to county
unty Board meeting, Dr. Jacob Jentzer, M.D., Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, described PEARL, a national research study to learn when best to perform coronary angiogram (heart catheterization) after cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops suddenly. Mayo Clinic will participate in the study and expect patients will be involved from surrounding … [Read more...]
County sets preliminary 2017 budget and levy
At the September 27 county board meeting, commissioners set the preliminary 2017 budget and levy. Early 2017 budget proposals projected an increase of $1.4 million, or about 15%. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman, working with department heads, identified reductions and/or additional revenues to reduce early budget proposals significantly. The latest number for the … [Read more...]
Planning Commission looks at event venue requests
At the September 22 meeting of the Fillmore County Planning Commission, two conditional use permit (CUP) applications for event venues were considered. Event venues fall under the recently adopted Agricultural Tourism Businesses section of the county zoning ordinances. The CUP request submitted by Chuck and Joan O’Connor, Section 18 Bristol Township, is for a remodeled barn … [Read more...]
Annual Arlin Falck Foundation grant notification
Notice is hereby given that the Arlin Falck Foundation will accept applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grants shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Fillmore County and Houston County, Minnesota and Allamakee County and Winneshiek County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501 (c) 3 … [Read more...]
County discusses courthouse security
Sheriff Tom Kaase presented his department’s budget proposals for 2017 at the September 13 county board meeting. During his presentation, courthouse security options were discussed. Kaase has about $77,000 included in his budget for a court security person. More options for courthouse security including cameras, one point of entry only, screening people coming to the court … [Read more...]