By Rich Larson, News Director
The Northfield School Board met last night and approved the 2021-2022 property tax levy increase of 1.64%, bringing the public school’s levy to just over $20.3 million. 
Finance Director Val Mertesdorf gave the board a detailed report on the revised 2020-2021 budget, where she said she is anticipating a deficit of nearly $1.9 million dollars. However, she recommended that the budget reduction process be postponed for a year based on the large number of variables in the budget this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The board also received a presentation on the budget audit from Greg Poppenhagen, who is a principal with CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP. Poppenhagen reported a clean audit, with no issues.
With the finances all in order, Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann recommended to the board that they certify the 2021 tax levy and the approve the revised 2020-21 general fund budget.
Both were approved unanimously approved by the board.
2020 has been a big year for the Community Action Center
The Northfield Community Action Center Executive Director Scott Wopata said that 2020 has been a trying year for his organization, but that the experience of helping and serving Northfield during an unprecedented pandemic has been both an honor and humbling.
The CAC offers a number of programs that have been essential to locals hit hard by the effects of the Covid pandemic, beginning with the Community Food Shelf. Wopata said that this past spring when the shelter-in-place order was first made, sourcing food for the food shelf was very difficult. However, in the months that have passed since, they have made great progress in stocking those shelves, including sourcing produce from local farms through monetary donations, but the demand has been great. Wopata said in a typical November, the CAC would help about 300 families with food, and this year that number exceeded 1000.
Another area where the CAC helps local families is in housing relief. For people who have fallen behind on rent or utility payments, the CAC has made funds available to help families get caught up. Wopata said in a typical year they budget about $20,000 for the program. In 2020, they have helped families with more $200,000 in relief.
Wopata said that the Community Action Center would not be able to do these things if it were not for the high-minded kindness of the people of Northfield.
We are able to do this and have been able to do this because our community is so generous. People have really steeped in to ensure that families can stay in their housing and if this eviction moratorium comes to an end that people are able to be current on their rent as they get back to their jobs and as the vaccine rolls out. But just the idea that it doesn’t have to ruin people’s lives. It’s a challenge, but our community has been generous to ensure that we have a safety net and support system. That is such a testament to the caring community that we have here in Northfield.
Wopata said the CAC is always in need of more help in the form of volunteers and donations. Those who are interested in helping can get more information by visiting communityactioncenter.org.
Deadline to nominate Business, Business Person of the Year
And the deadline to nominate Northfield’s Chamber Business and Business Person of the Year is 5:00 this afternoon. 
Each year the Chamber of Commerce recognizes the accomplishments of local businesses and business people and the contributions they make to the Northfield community.
All nominations will be reviewed by the Chamber’s Selection Committee. Winners will be announced at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Meeting and Business Recognition Banquet in January.
To make a nomination for Chamber Business of the Year, click HERE. To make a nomination for Business Person of the Year, click HERE.
