The Whalan City Council got a jump on the 2026 budget, approving the 2026 Draft Budget Review and the Proposed Tax Levy for 2026. Present at the regularly scheduled city council meeting on September 8, 2025, were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also present.
The council approved the Agenda with one addition under New Business, the Minutes from the August 11, 2025, council meeting and the Treasurer’s Report as presented by Grossell.
The city of Whalan received a bill from Fillmore County Attorney Brett Corson. Council members were confused as to why the city was receiving the bill for the specific case listed. Grossell will look into the matter.
Continued Business
There were no updates on Liquor License and Related Ordinance at the September council meeting.
The council approved a bid in the amount of $34,570 from Four Seasons Asphalt Maintenance and Concrete for road repairs.
The city council decided against looking into a Solar on Public Buildings Grant Opportunity.
New Business
The council discussed the opportunity to obtain a Prepaid Propane Contract with CHS. After a short discussion it was decided that the city will continue to pay as they go without a contract. The town hall/museum building is the only building that uses propane and gets minimum use.
The city council approved the 2026 Draft Budget Review and Resolution 2025-07 Proposed Tax Levy for 2026. “This is just a starting point,” explained Grossell. Grossell also noted that there will be less Local Government Aid (LGA) coming in, the cost of Workman’s Compensation is going up and the cost of the fire department service has risen, among other costs that need to be factored into the budget.
The council has made arrangements for the fence at the ballfield to be put up each spring and taken down each fall by a group that uses the ballfield.
Miscellaneous
Grossell provided the council with updates on several items, including the need to fill vacancies on the Zoning Committee. Katlyn Evans has moved out of Whalan, so her seat on the committee needs to be filled. Ben Ruberg, Lucas Johnson and Tammy Hughes appointments to the Zoning Committee end on December 31, 2025.
A quote for the playground has been received.
Plunkett’s will administer the 2025 fall invader treatment plan at the town hall in September.
Grossell advised the city council that the League of Minnesota Cities has awarded the Legislator of Distinction recognition to Representative Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller.
Mayor Hallum and Councilmember Higbe will attend the second Hazard Mitigation Plan Update meeting which will be held virtually on September 22.
Whalan’s Fall Finale will be held Saturday, October 4 from 11-3 at the Whalan Gazebo.
Grossell noted that there have been changes to the Open Meeting Law. One of the changes is that the city no longer needs to include the location address of members who are attending a meeting remotely.
Fillmore County Public Health will be holding Car Fit Checks on September 23 and September 26. Area residents can have their vehicles checked at the Fillmore County Public Health building to be sure that their vehicle is properly adjusted for them, which improves safety. Thirty-minute appointments can be scheduled through Fillmore County Public Health.
There will be a closure on the Root River State Bike Trail in September and October near Isinours Forest Recreation Area.
Engage Winona has applications for anyone interested in the Run4Rural Public Leadership training on October 3-4, 2025, in Winona, Minn.
The council received maintenance updates regarding several matters. The repair/sandblasting work on the city truck has been completed by GP Truck Painting. The final amount due is 738.99.
The council approved the payment of the invoice.
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