Village Starts New Year

The January 21 meeting of the Rushford Village council began with the approval of annual designations, committees, and contracts.

Councilor Mike Ebner was chosen once again as Acting Mayor, in the event of the mayor’s absence. Acting Clerk is treasurer Judy Graham and Acting Treasurer will be Mary Miner. 2026 Committee appointments include Councilors Bob Hart and Rick Ruberg on the Personnel & Finance Committee and Ebner and Councilor Travis Link on the Equipment Committee.

Contracts being renewed for 2026 include insurance, city attorney Joe O’Koren, city auditor Engleson & Associates, Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), and the city website, among others.

Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Eggert presented a summary of the upcoming effort and requested funding from the village. This year’s request of $341 is less than last year. She indicated two things are “throwing” things a bit. One is the lack of a city administrator in the city of Rushford, which is leaving some uncertainty for the Chamber. Secondly, she indicated that in-print marketing has increased significantly so they will push for more online marketing.

The rate fee chart was also approved. This includes updated pay for the city clerk, treasurer, and two public works employees to include a 3% cost of living adjustment, paid leave for employees, and the mileage rate. It was noted the Minnesota Department of Health water connection fee has made a big leap, up to just over $15 from the previous $9.

In zoning, Administrator Jon Pettit indicated the Planning & Zoning Committee is planning to increase permit fees, but they have not determined the fee amounts per category. According to Pettit, the village was 50% short on revenue from zoning fees last year.

During financial reporting, City Clerk Mary Miner reviewed the village’s current investments and debt. The total investments, as of December 31, were $661,180. This includes approximately $222,313 in the General Fund, $254,250 in the MIF Revolving Loan Fund, $160,784 in Water Repair/Replacement, and $23,832 in Sewer Repair/Replacement.

There are currently four outstanding debts: General Obligation (GO) Revenue Sewer Upgrade Loan of $38,874, a lingering GO Refunding Sewer amount of $33.22, a GO Revenue Water Loan of $118,000, and the 2021 GO Street Reconstruction Bond in the amount of $439,674.

Overland stated himself and Ruberg reviewed the current Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and suggested the village form a RLF Committee. He suggested two council members, a zoning member for the committee, with CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist Jayme Longmire as consultant. Link and Hart will serve on the committee. Zoning member Glen Kopperud has also volunteered to serve on the committee. Longmire is already working with the city attorney to revise the application and guidelines for the RLF.

The council reviewed the annual goals and priorities for the year, reflecting on what was completed in 2025. Several things are ongoing including tree trimming, road shoulder and ditch work, road signage, and cleaning and inventory of the maintenance shed. Items that were completed include meeting ADA compliance on the village hall playground, updating of the Comprehensive Plan, updating the liquor ordinance and the employee guide to include new state Earned Sick and Safe Time and Paid Time Off changes. Things incomplete, which will carry over, include a backup pump for the big lift station, the information center and signage in front of the village hall/community center, new security cameras at the hall and maintenance areas, and updating of the animal ordinance. The updating of the Emergency Management Plan is also incomplete, but nearly finished, and the updating of the subdivision ordinance was started.

New goals for 2026 include cleaning exteriors of village buildings, signage at south Rushford intersections, rural subdivisions, and the airport, cleanup of trees to the water holding tank,  repainting of the hall parking lot. The council approved the ongoing and new goals and priorities.

In his report, Public Works Supervisor Darrin Dessner explained recent problems with well #2. After some digging into it, it appears to be a pump issue. The 160-foot deep pump is 13 years old according to Dessner. Some pipes and fittings also need repair. The village can run just well #1 for up to a month before they are required to notify the public about the use of one well.