The Faribault County Economic Development Authority made the decision to continue with foreclosure proceedings against Miller’s Corner Repair despite the business making a recent $500 payment towards their loan.

The EDA, meeting in Kiester on March 19, was notified that staff had received a check at the EDA office on March 13.

“After verifying with our attorney’s office that cashing the check would not affect foreclosure, we had the auditor/treasurer cash the check on March 14,” EDA specialist Celia Simpson said. “The Millers are now 13 months past due on payments.”

The board discussed whether to continue with the foreclosure process or to renegotiate a deal with the Millers for the remaining payments.

“I am afraid we will just end up right here again if we renegotiate,” board chairman John Herman commented.

The other board members agreed and passed a motion to continue with the foreclosure process.

“The sheriff’s foreclosure sale has been scheduled for May 7,” Simpson noted. “The sale notice will be published in the newspaper six weeks ahead of the sale. The Millers will also receive notice of the sale information.”

Simpson also announced to the board that Bevcomm has been awarded an additional Broadband grant for Faribault County.

“It will cover around 100 homes/farms around Minnesota Lake,” Simpson said. “There will be another grant round opening in April. Bevcomm will be looking for support to build out the rest of the areas they cover in Faribault County. This includes rural Wells and Blue Earth. On behalf of Bevcomm, Bill Eckles expressed his thanks to the County EDA for their support of the Bevcomm broadband initiatives.”

EDA specialist Amber Patten updated the board on the status of establishing a LHTF (Local Housing Trust Fund).

“We are recommending we request a work session with the Faribault County Board of Commissioners so we can answer questions they may have and help them understand the concept of a LHTF,” Patten shared. “A work session will also provide an opportunity to learn what areas of housing the commissioners would like to focus on. We would provide drafts of a resolution and an implementation plan to the County Board.”

The purpose of the LHTF would be to utilize affordable housing funds Faribault County is receiving from the State of Minnesota. Faribault County received $90,527 in December of 2023 and will receive the same amount in 2024.

The board also received an update on the proposed Faribault and Martin counties manufacturing tour.

“Martin County EDA has two confirmed participants and we have interest from Blue Earth and Winnebago businesses also,” Simpson told the board. “We are awaiting discussion with new Wells EDA specialist Bethany Walker about connecting with Wells manufacturers.”

The Faribault County EDA Business Spotlight Award went to Forever Berma’s of Kiester. However, nobody from the business was able to be present at the meeting so they will receive their award at a later time.

The next Faribault County EDA meeting is scheduled for April 16, in Frost.