2010 City Budget
The City Council met on August 25th to review the preliminary budget information with the City Departments that recieve tax levy monies. These Departments include Police, Fire, Streets, Parks, Recreation, Library, Planning & Zoning, Pool, Arena, Community Center, the Economic Development Authority and City Hall. Due to the $218,000 cut in State aid for 2010 and the levy limits imposed by the State these budgets focused on the continuation of current services and included very few capital requests. Following the budget presentations the City Council looked at the debt service (bond repayments) that are due for 2010 from the General Fund. Last, the State of Minnesota is allowing a one-time opportunity for cities to recapture all or part of the 2008 and 2009 Local Government Aid cuts. These cuts amounted to about $204,000 for the City of Windom. At the September 1 City Council meeting the City Council adopted a preliminary levy of about $1.75 million, which included recapturing all of the 2008 and 2009 State aid cuts. This Preliminary Levy represents a 13.5% increase because of the State aid cuts. The City Council will be continuing the budget discussions in the next two months with the goal of reducing the $1.75 million levy amount. Public input is always welcome. Budget meetings related to the adoption of a final budget and levy will be held on December 1 and December 15. Please contact City Hall or the City's web site for additonal information.
Airport Update
The concrete has all be poured and substantial completion on the runway project has been reached by Wicks Construction. The crack-filling and seal-coating project for the areas around the hangars and airport building will be started after the Labor Day holiday. At this time the schedule for re-opening the airport is October 1.
2009 Street Project - Final Stage
The sub-contractors that are working on the restoration of the boulevards and seeding will be starting their work shortly. The City's engineer's will be working closely with City staff and the sub-contractors to insure that the restoration work meets the quality and specifications within the contract.
Have a Safe and Enjoyable Labor Day Weekend
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
SW MN Broadband Group - Federal Stimulus Application
Windomnet has been working with seven other communities, vendors, consultants and others to prepare an application for federal stimulus funds to provide ultra-high speed broadband service in our area. The project will include the construction of a 125 mile fiber ring. Applications for funding are due August 14th.
Airport Project Update
The new taxi ways have been completed and the new concrete runway will start to be poured tomorrow (Aug. 12) and take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete. To date, the project is on schedule and targeting a mid-September completion date.
2009 Street Project Update
The last section of road (Langley) was opened about a week ago. The contractors have some finishing work on the streets to complete in the next couple of weeks. Due to the typically hot weather in August the boulevards will be re-worked and seeded in September, which should provide for a better start for the new grass.
2010 Budget
The City Council is planning to hold its first budget meeting at the end of August to review the preliminary budgets submitted by staff. Additional budget meetings will also be held in September\October as the details and capital planning are completed. The City Council encourages the public to attend these meetings and will be advertising them as dates are set.
Windomnet has been working with seven other communities, vendors, consultants and others to prepare an application for federal stimulus funds to provide ultra-high speed broadband service in our area. The project will include the construction of a 125 mile fiber ring. Applications for funding are due August 14th.
Airport Project Update
The new taxi ways have been completed and the new concrete runway will start to be poured tomorrow (Aug. 12) and take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete. To date, the project is on schedule and targeting a mid-September completion date.
2009 Street Project Update
The last section of road (Langley) was opened about a week ago. The contractors have some finishing work on the streets to complete in the next couple of weeks. Due to the typically hot weather in August the boulevards will be re-worked and seeded in September, which should provide for a better start for the new grass.
2010 Budget
The City Council is planning to hold its first budget meeting at the end of August to review the preliminary budgets submitted by staff. Additional budget meetings will also be held in September\October as the details and capital planning are completed. The City Council encourages the public to attend these meetings and will be advertising them as dates are set.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
July 21st City Council Re-cap
The City Council received an update from Telecom Manager Dan Olsen regarding the pending application by the SW Minnesota Broadband Group for federal stimulus funds. This project would include connections for 10 communities in Jackson, Cottonwood and Nobles Counties to a 125 mile fiber ring. Windomnet would be a major participant and service provider in this project. Applications are due in mid-August with funding awards anticipated in September or October 2009.
A joint powers agreement was approved between the State of Minnesota and the City of Windom regarding participation in a law enforcement task force targeting sexual predators.
Approval was given by the City Council for the disposition of a trailer formerly used by the Fire and Street Departments. This equipment will be publicly advertised and sold by sealed bid. Additional information will be available within the next week or you can call City Hall at 831-6129.
2009 Street Project Update
The project is entering its final phase with the surface paving underway on Langley Street. Fourth Avenue is now open for public use. The City and the Contractor want to thank everyone, especially the property owners living along the project area, for their patience during construction. The schedule is to have all of the substantial work completed by August 15.
Nite to Unite - JULY 27th
Windom's Nite to Unite (formerly National Nite Out) is scheduled for July 27th and will be held on the Courthouse Square. This event provides an opportunity for Windom to join with other communities and law enforcement agencies nationwide in promoting crime prevention, drug awareness and police\community efforts.
The City Council received an update from Telecom Manager Dan Olsen regarding the pending application by the SW Minnesota Broadband Group for federal stimulus funds. This project would include connections for 10 communities in Jackson, Cottonwood and Nobles Counties to a 125 mile fiber ring. Windomnet would be a major participant and service provider in this project. Applications are due in mid-August with funding awards anticipated in September or October 2009.
A joint powers agreement was approved between the State of Minnesota and the City of Windom regarding participation in a law enforcement task force targeting sexual predators.
Approval was given by the City Council for the disposition of a trailer formerly used by the Fire and Street Departments. This equipment will be publicly advertised and sold by sealed bid. Additional information will be available within the next week or you can call City Hall at 831-6129.
2009 Street Project Update
The project is entering its final phase with the surface paving underway on Langley Street. Fourth Avenue is now open for public use. The City and the Contractor want to thank everyone, especially the property owners living along the project area, for their patience during construction. The schedule is to have all of the substantial work completed by August 15.
Nite to Unite - JULY 27th
Windom's Nite to Unite (formerly National Nite Out) is scheduled for July 27th and will be held on the Courthouse Square. This event provides an opportunity for Windom to join with other communities and law enforcement agencies nationwide in promoting crime prevention, drug awareness and police\community efforts.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Construction Update
Summer is definitely here as the amount of road construction reaches its peak. In Windom the 2009 Street Project is progressing on schedule with work currently being done on the south end of 4th Avenue between the Perkins Creek Bridge and 16th Street. In addition, work is underway on Langley and 3rd Avenue. This week a section of the new 4th Avenue from Tanglewood Apartments to Highway 71 was re-opened for public use.
On July 7 the MN DOT started their project on State Highway 60 between Windom and Butterfield. The Highway 60 detour runs on 16th Street and Lakeview through Windom. This detour goes by the Windom Recreation Area and residential areas so please be aware of the new stop signs and pedestrians.
The $1.5 million runway reconstruction and maintenance project at the Windom Airport will start on July 13. As such, the Windom Airport will be closed from July 13 to approximately September 18.
2010 Budget
On June 17 the Governor announced the State's unallotments of Local Government Aid (LGA) to balance the State's budget and address their $4.6 billion deficit. For Windom this means a loss of about $94,000 in 2009 LGA and about $219,000 in 2010 LGA. The City's administrative staff and Department Heads have just started to draft the 2010 budgets. The City Council will likely begin our discussions in mid-late August. Due to the cuts in State aid and the need to keep local tax rates within the levy limits there will be difficult decisions regarding the provision of municipal services. The City Council appreciates public input and encourages your attendance at the upcoming budget meetings.
Federal Grants Update
The City of Windom has submitted competitive grant applications for four public safety projects. These include COPS funding to help support the Police Department, Assistance to Firefighter's funding for a county-wide communications system, Assistance to Firefighter's funding for a new rescue truck (to replace the existing 20-year old unit) and Assistance to Firefighter's funding to help construct an expanded Fire Hall. All of these federal grant opportunities are through the 2009 Federal Stimulus bill passed by Congress and signed by the President in February 2009. Should the City of Windom receive monies for any of these projects it will help strengthen the emergency services within the community and benefit the local taxpayers by minimizing the amount of local dollars needed to accomplish these important projects.
Summer is definitely here as the amount of road construction reaches its peak. In Windom the 2009 Street Project is progressing on schedule with work currently being done on the south end of 4th Avenue between the Perkins Creek Bridge and 16th Street. In addition, work is underway on Langley and 3rd Avenue. This week a section of the new 4th Avenue from Tanglewood Apartments to Highway 71 was re-opened for public use.
On July 7 the MN DOT started their project on State Highway 60 between Windom and Butterfield. The Highway 60 detour runs on 16th Street and Lakeview through Windom. This detour goes by the Windom Recreation Area and residential areas so please be aware of the new stop signs and pedestrians.
The $1.5 million runway reconstruction and maintenance project at the Windom Airport will start on July 13. As such, the Windom Airport will be closed from July 13 to approximately September 18.
2010 Budget
On June 17 the Governor announced the State's unallotments of Local Government Aid (LGA) to balance the State's budget and address their $4.6 billion deficit. For Windom this means a loss of about $94,000 in 2009 LGA and about $219,000 in 2010 LGA. The City's administrative staff and Department Heads have just started to draft the 2010 budgets. The City Council will likely begin our discussions in mid-late August. Due to the cuts in State aid and the need to keep local tax rates within the levy limits there will be difficult decisions regarding the provision of municipal services. The City Council appreciates public input and encourages your attendance at the upcoming budget meetings.
Federal Grants Update
The City of Windom has submitted competitive grant applications for four public safety projects. These include COPS funding to help support the Police Department, Assistance to Firefighter's funding for a county-wide communications system, Assistance to Firefighter's funding for a new rescue truck (to replace the existing 20-year old unit) and Assistance to Firefighter's funding to help construct an expanded Fire Hall. All of these federal grant opportunities are through the 2009 Federal Stimulus bill passed by Congress and signed by the President in February 2009. Should the City of Windom receive monies for any of these projects it will help strengthen the emergency services within the community and benefit the local taxpayers by minimizing the amount of local dollars needed to accomplish these important projects.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Congratulations on Riverfest 2009
Thank you to the Windom Chamber of Commerce, the Riverfest Co-chairs and all of the Riverfest volunteers and participants. I greatly appreciate all of the work that goes into the planning, organization and operation of all of the Riverfest events.
Local Government Aid (LGA) - 2009 and 2010 Unallotments
On June 16th the Governor announced the anticipated cuts to LGA. Windom will lose $94,753 for 2009 and $218,631 in 2010. The City Council had proactively planned and budgeted for the 2009 cut; however, this also resulted in the loss or reduction of some city services. The 2010 budget will be much more difficult as the level of LGA cuts increase. The City continues to seek suggestions from citizens about ways to save the City money via SaveWindomMoney@windom-mn.com. As the City Council starts the 2010 budgeting process there will be additional opportunities for the public to participate in these discussions.
June 16 City Council Re-cap
In addition to two temporary street closures for community events there were three licence applications approved and a variance application for 968 6th Street.
The City's 2008 Audit was presented by Dennis Rick, LTD. The highlights of the audit included the recommendation from the auditor that the City continue to take a strong financial position in maintaining the General Fund balances as this helps to protect the City against unforseen or emergency expenditures and allows the City retain a good credit rating, which results in lower interest costs. The 2008 unallotment of LGA cost the City of Windom $110,120 or about 5% of its General Fund balance. The City's Enterprise Funds (Liquor, Water, Sewer, Electric and Telecom) were in good financial condition and profitable, with the exception of Telecom. Telecom showed a loss for 2008 of about $233,000; however, this was a significant improvement over 2007. Mr. Rick said that overall the City's finances have been improving over the past couple of years and he congratulated the City Council, Department Heads and Administration for their efforts.
Windom Airport Improvement Project
On June 16th the City Council approved the Authorization needed for the federal entitlement funds that are a companion piece to the federal stimulus funding we received for the runway project. The project is scheduled to start on July 13. Overall, nearly $1.6 million in federal funds are being leveraged by about $20,000 in City funds.
2009 Street Project Update
The weather this last week has slowed down the work on this project. They crews are still on schedule and paving will continue next week on 4th Avenue from Abby Park to the Perkin's Creek Bridge. During the next two weeks work on Langley Street will continue with underground utilities and road construction.
Thank you to the Windom Chamber of Commerce, the Riverfest Co-chairs and all of the Riverfest volunteers and participants. I greatly appreciate all of the work that goes into the planning, organization and operation of all of the Riverfest events.
Local Government Aid (LGA) - 2009 and 2010 Unallotments
On June 16th the Governor announced the anticipated cuts to LGA. Windom will lose $94,753 for 2009 and $218,631 in 2010. The City Council had proactively planned and budgeted for the 2009 cut; however, this also resulted in the loss or reduction of some city services. The 2010 budget will be much more difficult as the level of LGA cuts increase. The City continues to seek suggestions from citizens about ways to save the City money via SaveWindomMoney@windom-mn.com. As the City Council starts the 2010 budgeting process there will be additional opportunities for the public to participate in these discussions.
June 16 City Council Re-cap
In addition to two temporary street closures for community events there were three licence applications approved and a variance application for 968 6th Street.
The City's 2008 Audit was presented by Dennis Rick, LTD. The highlights of the audit included the recommendation from the auditor that the City continue to take a strong financial position in maintaining the General Fund balances as this helps to protect the City against unforseen or emergency expenditures and allows the City retain a good credit rating, which results in lower interest costs. The 2008 unallotment of LGA cost the City of Windom $110,120 or about 5% of its General Fund balance. The City's Enterprise Funds (Liquor, Water, Sewer, Electric and Telecom) were in good financial condition and profitable, with the exception of Telecom. Telecom showed a loss for 2008 of about $233,000; however, this was a significant improvement over 2007. Mr. Rick said that overall the City's finances have been improving over the past couple of years and he congratulated the City Council, Department Heads and Administration for their efforts.
Windom Airport Improvement Project
On June 16th the City Council approved the Authorization needed for the federal entitlement funds that are a companion piece to the federal stimulus funding we received for the runway project. The project is scheduled to start on July 13. Overall, nearly $1.6 million in federal funds are being leveraged by about $20,000 in City funds.
2009 Street Project Update
The weather this last week has slowed down the work on this project. They crews are still on schedule and paving will continue next week on 4th Avenue from Abby Park to the Perkin's Creek Bridge. During the next two weeks work on Langley Street will continue with underground utilities and road construction.
Friday, June 5, 2009
June 2 City Council Re-cap
Mike Haugen, Water\Wastewater Superintendent, addressed the City Council regarding the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the municipal water system. A copy of this report was distributed to all customers in this last month's utility bill. The City's system passed the State testing; however, the level of copper was slightly elevated over the State's threshold. As such, re-testing will occur. Mike also informed the City Council and citizens that the City is not imposing a watering restriction at this time, but should it be necessary one may be implemented later this summer.
Al Baloun, Recreation Director, reported that City Recreation Programs will be starting on June 10th and he encouraged the public to be aware of children and bicycles.
The City Council also approved moving forward with the airport reconstruction project that is funded by federal entitlement funds and federal stimulus funds. The City Council selected a concrete surface based on considerations for lower future maintenance costs.
2009 Street Project Update
Curb and gutter have been completed north of the Perkins Creek bridge to Hwy 71. Paving of the street surface also started this week. During the pouring and curing of the surface the road will be closed for about one week. Overall, the project continues to move along well and on schedule.
Windom Pool Opening - June 10th
The Windom pool is scheduled to open on June 10th. Work this year included the installation of new drain covers that were mandated by the State and Federal government for all public pools. Daily admissions are payable at the Windom Pool and swim passes are available at City Hall.
Local Government Aid (LGA) and the State Budget Deficit
The news out of St. Paul continues to be bad for Minnesota cities. With a large $4.6 billion deficit the Governor will soon be making cuts to State spending. One of the areas that is likely to see a large cut is Local Government Aid. These funds are intended to provide aid to cities in the provision of services to its citizens and help insure adequate, comparable services in all cities. Windom should be receiving about $1.3 million in LGA, which is about 50% of our General Fund budget. Due to the anticipated cuts this aid could fall by $144,000 to $301,000 in 2009-2010. A cut of this size will significantly impact the City services and it will be important for the public to participate in the upcoming 2010 budget meetings to share their ideas.
Riverfest
Riverfest is next weekend. This is an opportunity to show off our community and celebrate together. I encourage everyone to participate in the festivities and enjoy the parade and other entertainment.
Have a great weekend.
Mike Haugen, Water\Wastewater Superintendent, addressed the City Council regarding the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the municipal water system. A copy of this report was distributed to all customers in this last month's utility bill. The City's system passed the State testing; however, the level of copper was slightly elevated over the State's threshold. As such, re-testing will occur. Mike also informed the City Council and citizens that the City is not imposing a watering restriction at this time, but should it be necessary one may be implemented later this summer.
Al Baloun, Recreation Director, reported that City Recreation Programs will be starting on June 10th and he encouraged the public to be aware of children and bicycles.
The City Council also approved moving forward with the airport reconstruction project that is funded by federal entitlement funds and federal stimulus funds. The City Council selected a concrete surface based on considerations for lower future maintenance costs.
2009 Street Project Update
Curb and gutter have been completed north of the Perkins Creek bridge to Hwy 71. Paving of the street surface also started this week. During the pouring and curing of the surface the road will be closed for about one week. Overall, the project continues to move along well and on schedule.
Windom Pool Opening - June 10th
The Windom pool is scheduled to open on June 10th. Work this year included the installation of new drain covers that were mandated by the State and Federal government for all public pools. Daily admissions are payable at the Windom Pool and swim passes are available at City Hall.
Local Government Aid (LGA) and the State Budget Deficit
The news out of St. Paul continues to be bad for Minnesota cities. With a large $4.6 billion deficit the Governor will soon be making cuts to State spending. One of the areas that is likely to see a large cut is Local Government Aid. These funds are intended to provide aid to cities in the provision of services to its citizens and help insure adequate, comparable services in all cities. Windom should be receiving about $1.3 million in LGA, which is about 50% of our General Fund budget. Due to the anticipated cuts this aid could fall by $144,000 to $301,000 in 2009-2010. A cut of this size will significantly impact the City services and it will be important for the public to participate in the upcoming 2010 budget meetings to share their ideas.
Riverfest
Riverfest is next weekend. This is an opportunity to show off our community and celebrate together. I encourage everyone to participate in the festivities and enjoy the parade and other entertainment.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
News from the May 11th and May 19th City Council Meetings
The City Council and the County Assessor conducted the annual Board of Review meeting on May 11th to discuss real estate valuations used for determining property taxes on residential, industrial and commercial property. Eight citizens appeared to discuss valuations on twelve parcels. The City Council approved one valuation adjustment, which was for the Good Samaritan facility due to a mis-classification of approximately 1.5 acres of land. This information will now go to the Cottonwood County Board on June 16th.
On May 19th the City Council had nine licenses and permits to consider for approval in connection with Riverfest and other events. The City Council also approved a 3-year labor agreement with the City's largest union. The new agreement for 2009-2011 calls for a 1% cost-of-living adjustment in each year. A new part-time position for Telecommunications marketing and administration was also approved.
State Funding for Cities
As you know by now the legislature and Governor were unable to agree to a budget that would address the State's $4.6 billion deficit. The Governor has indicated that he will cut the State budget through an "unallotment" process, which essentially allows him to cut any State program by any amount he sees fit. One of the programs targeted for a substantial reduction is Local Government Aid (LGA). The LGA program was designed to keep a basic level of services operating in all cities by sharing the wealth between large and small cities and keeping property taxes down in communities with smaller tax bases. Windom is to get $1.334 million in LGA in 2009. This amount represents about 50% of our General Fund that is used to pay for public services. Public Safety (Police, Fire and Emergency Management) is the largest part of the General Fund budget and accounts for about 40% of our General Fund expenditures. I encourage you to contact our legislators (Senator Vickerman and Representative Rod Hamilton)and the Governor's office and ask them to limit cuts to LGA. We realize in this difficult economic time we must all sacrifice, but LGA was cut at the end of 2008 to balance the State budget and will take a disproportionate cut in 2009 and 2010 if the Governor stands by his budget proposals.
Airport - Federal Stimulus Project Update
Bids for the reconstruction of the runway and other general maintenance work were received on May 20th. These bids will be reviewed by the Airport Commission on May 21st and a recommendation on the project will be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration at their June 2nd meeting. The Windom Airport has $1.196 million in federal stimulus funding to pay for the runway reconstruction project. One of the key provisions to these monies is that no local matching dollars are required. Matching funds of 5% or about $4,000, however, are required for the other general maintenance work. Overall, this is an excellent project for the City of Windom.
2009 Street Project Status
As noted in today's Citizen the street project is moving along on schedule. We expect curb and gutter work to start later this week and paving could start around June 3rd on the section of 4th Avenue from Highway 71 to the new Perkin's Creek bridge. Pavement is being removed on Langley and underground work will soon start on this segment of the project.
Memorial Day Holiday
Just a reminder that the City offices will be closed on May 25th.
The City Council and the County Assessor conducted the annual Board of Review meeting on May 11th to discuss real estate valuations used for determining property taxes on residential, industrial and commercial property. Eight citizens appeared to discuss valuations on twelve parcels. The City Council approved one valuation adjustment, which was for the Good Samaritan facility due to a mis-classification of approximately 1.5 acres of land. This information will now go to the Cottonwood County Board on June 16th.
On May 19th the City Council had nine licenses and permits to consider for approval in connection with Riverfest and other events. The City Council also approved a 3-year labor agreement with the City's largest union. The new agreement for 2009-2011 calls for a 1% cost-of-living adjustment in each year. A new part-time position for Telecommunications marketing and administration was also approved.
State Funding for Cities
As you know by now the legislature and Governor were unable to agree to a budget that would address the State's $4.6 billion deficit. The Governor has indicated that he will cut the State budget through an "unallotment" process, which essentially allows him to cut any State program by any amount he sees fit. One of the programs targeted for a substantial reduction is Local Government Aid (LGA). The LGA program was designed to keep a basic level of services operating in all cities by sharing the wealth between large and small cities and keeping property taxes down in communities with smaller tax bases. Windom is to get $1.334 million in LGA in 2009. This amount represents about 50% of our General Fund that is used to pay for public services. Public Safety (Police, Fire and Emergency Management) is the largest part of the General Fund budget and accounts for about 40% of our General Fund expenditures. I encourage you to contact our legislators (Senator Vickerman and Representative Rod Hamilton)and the Governor's office and ask them to limit cuts to LGA. We realize in this difficult economic time we must all sacrifice, but LGA was cut at the end of 2008 to balance the State budget and will take a disproportionate cut in 2009 and 2010 if the Governor stands by his budget proposals.
Airport - Federal Stimulus Project Update
Bids for the reconstruction of the runway and other general maintenance work were received on May 20th. These bids will be reviewed by the Airport Commission on May 21st and a recommendation on the project will be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration at their June 2nd meeting. The Windom Airport has $1.196 million in federal stimulus funding to pay for the runway reconstruction project. One of the key provisions to these monies is that no local matching dollars are required. Matching funds of 5% or about $4,000, however, are required for the other general maintenance work. Overall, this is an excellent project for the City of Windom.
2009 Street Project Status
As noted in today's Citizen the street project is moving along on schedule. We expect curb and gutter work to start later this week and paving could start around June 3rd on the section of 4th Avenue from Highway 71 to the new Perkin's Creek bridge. Pavement is being removed on Langley and underground work will soon start on this segment of the project.
Memorial Day Holiday
Just a reminder that the City offices will be closed on May 25th.
