State comes through with more city aid

By Sara QuamAlthough it still isn’t as much as was received in 2002, the city of Luverne will get more state aid than first expected.Luverne will receive $1,271,948 in 2006, meaning city property taxpayers carry less of the city budget burden.The city will receive more than expected because a legislative compromise added $48 million to Local Government Aid.In 2005 Luverne received $1,170,064 in state aid.Other cities of interest are receiving in 2006:
Worthington, $2,854,616
Adrian, $389,290
Edgerton, $285,381
Ellsworth, $155,059
Hills, $126,639
Jackson, $1,077,068
Jasper, $169,096
Pipestone, $1,456,502
Windom, $1,144,605
Beaver Creek, $48,737
Hardwick, $44,746
Magnolia, $28,385
Steen, $14,574The city of Luverne is into the budget process for next year, and even further into the future. Council members met to discuss capital projects and purchases.Some items are a sort of "wish list" and may be cut, but are budgeted for. Some of the capital items discussed were:
Carpet replacement in City Hall in 2007, $12,000
Two bays on the Fire Hall in 2006, $250,000. This may change with a possible new building project.
Various equipment replacements in Public Works through 2010, $287,800
Purchase of recreational property, $65,000oImprovements for the parks department, such as a $30,000 tractor in 2006; a $7,000 mower replacement in 2006, and a shelter added to Riverside Park in 2007
A new boiler for the library in 2006, $12,000
An annual set-aside of $20,000 through 2008 to go toward a new dehumidification system in the Pool and Fitness Center
A new well will cost the water department $132,000 in 2007
Phosphorous removal systems will cost the city about $250,000 in both 2007 and 2008
From 2006 through 2010, the city will pay $825,000 for electric distribution upgrades; $300,000 for a circuit replacement, and $600,000 for a power line feed from Magnolia
The refuse department needs a new garbage truck in 2006, $180,000