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County OKs preliminary levy at 6.57 hike

Local News

FAIRMONT— Following a budget workshop last week, the Martin County Board of Commissioners in their regular meeting on Tuesday learned that the possible 2027 levy increase of 6.59 percent had dropped to a 6.57 percent increase with the levy dollar amount at $25.3 million. Commissioner Joe Loughmiller made a motion to approve the preliminary levy at a 6.57 percent increase. Commissioner Richard Koons seconded it to move forward with discussion. “I still think it’s too high,” Koons said. “It is a good starting point and we can work down from there in the next two ...

Courts

Courts

MARTIN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT Driver must carry proof of insurance when operating vehicle — Amanda K. Miller, 41, of Fairmont; fined $285. Luis R. Rodriguez Burgos, 32, of Fairmont, was convicted of driving after revocation; fined $285. Also convicted of driver must carry proof of insurance when operating vehicle; fined $200. Driving after revocation — Treshaun D. Salic-Grady, 19, of Fairmont; fined $285. Pedestrian/wheelchair fails to walk on left side of roadway/use sidewalk — Dannette C. Salisbury, 44, of Fairmont; fined $105. Melissa M. Brase, 44, of St. Paul, was ...

In contentious vote, council OKs preliminary 2027 budget and levy

Local News

FAIRMONT— The Fairmont City Council again discussed the 2027 preliminary budget and levy at its meeting on Monday, which it approved in a 3-2 vote at a 10.8 percent levy increase. This came following three budget workshops in recent weeks. The council was looking at 10.8 percent increase with the tax rate impact at a 10.9 percent increase. Finance Director Paul Hoye said, “Prior years we’ve had enough growth in our tax capacity that it actually offsets some of our levy increase, this year we actually had a slight decrease in our net tax capacity, very small, less than ...

Council voices skepticism with contracts

Local News

FAIRMONT— On Monday the Fairmont City Council considered updated contracts with both the Fairmont Ag Society (Martin County Fair Board) and Fairmont Youth Hockey Association for continued use of the Martin County Arena. While Council Member Britney Kawecki had originally asked for both items to be tabled, the requests received no second and they stayed on the agenda. City Administrator Jason Baker provided some background on the contract with the fair board, which the city entered into in June of 2004. However in October of 2025, the council authorized issuance of the required six ...

Police

Police

FAIRMONT Friday, Sept. 11 4:31 a.m. — A driving complaint was reported in the 900 block of Winnebago Avenue. 9:52 a.m. — A disturbance/disorderly conduct/nuisance was reported in the 500 block of North Grant Street. 1:18 p.m. — A civil complaint was reported in the 600 block of Willow Street. 1:29 p.m. — A driving complaint was reported in the 700 block of Victoria Street. A verbal warning was issued. 1:44 p.m. — Police rendered assistance to the ambulance in the 300 block of Downtown Plaza. 5:41 p.m. — Theft (includes attempt) was reported in the 900 block ...

Courts

Courts

MARTIN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT Wireless communications device-hold wireless communications device with one or both hands — Jamie R. Kueker, 56, of Fairmont; fined $135. Speeding — Patrick J. Swartzer, 40, of Evanston, Ill.; fined $125; Arthur E. Cooper, 50, of White Hall, Ark.; fiend $135. Driving without a valid license endorsement for vehicle driven — Marcus R. Deling, 28, of Fairmont; fined $185. FARIBAULT COUNTY DISTRICT COURT Instruction permit violations-persons 18 years or older-requirements — Ana I. Ortega Reyes, 28, of Saint James; fined $135. Fish and ...