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🌱 Patch AM: How Olmsted’s tax error could shrink your 2027 property tax hike

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Monday September 14th Patch AM
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Good morning Rochester! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Olmsted's tax error could shrink your 2027 property tax hike
  • Where Rochester neighbors can find free food from Zumbro Lutheran
  • How a 160-year-old Rochester church is finally getting a new home

Also on today's calendar: Fantasy Week Activities and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the fish say when she hit a wall? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 63 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Tuesday: More clouds than sun, temps: high: 69, low: 52.
  • Wednesday: A brief shower or two, with a high of 67 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Funds from Olmsted County's $1.5 million tax error set to decrease 2027 tax levy (postbulletin.com) — Olmsted County is poised to use $1.5 million collected through a property tax error to trim the planned 2027 levy increase from 6.8% to about 4.56%, easing the hit on Rochester taxpayers. Commissioners will refine the budget this week, while local residents can also follow several Rochester meetings, including City Council, Planning and Zoning, Library Board, and School Board sessions at the Government Center and other city buildings.
   

2. Rochester church battling local food insecurity (kaaltv.com) — Zumbro Lutheran Church is stepping up efforts to fight hunger in Rochester through its annual Block Party and three ongoing food ministries. Residents can access a 24/7 outdoor pantry near Wayne Stillman Parkway SW, a church pantry open Sundays and Thursdays, and a weekly Thursday mobile food truck. Organizers say these programs help neighbors facing food insecurity live with more dignity and support.
   

3. Rochester church breaks ground for permanent home in 160th year (kaaltv.com) — First Unitarian Universalist Church is starting construction on a new permanent home on 30 acres in northwest Rochester after years of accessibility challenges at its former site. Leaders say the project honors the congregation's 160-year history while creating a more welcoming, nature-connected space for future generations. Services will continue at Our Savior's Lutheran Church until the new building opens next fall.
   

4. 36-Year-Old Stewartville Woman Hurt in Hwy. 52 Motorcycle Crash (krocnews.com) — A 36-year-old Stewartville woman was hurt Friday when she lost control of her motorcycle after merging onto northbound Highway 52 on a Rochester freeway, about a mile northwest of the South Broadway/Highway 63 interchange. She was taken to St. Mary's Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and authorities say she was wearing a helmet and was not under the influence of alcohol.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi All!
    The company we use for lawn service - Lawnstarter - is taking on new clients in the area. It's not an actuall lawn mowing company itself, rather it… (Nextdoor Kings Run / Watson)
  • 👋 Hey neighbors!
    I'm Mike, the owner of Aqua Burst Wash Co. I'm excited to introduce myself and my new pressure & soft washing business here in the Rochester area! … (Nextdoor East Side Pioneers)
  • The Mayo Clinic posted a job opening for Security Officer 1 in Rochester. Apply here.
  • People's Food Co-Op posted a job opening for Team Member - Bakery (Morning Bake) in Rochester. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rochester here.

Ok Rochester! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Dam! (Thank you George G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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