All links go directly to official Chatfield, Minnesota government websites.
About Chatfield City Government
Government TypeCity Council
The governing body of Chatfield, Minnesota, is the Chatfield City Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Chatfield for a term length of four years.
About Chatfield, Minnesota
Economically, Chatfield has a diverse base, with agriculture playing a significant role in its history and ongoing development. The city is part of the Chatfield School District, which serves the educational needs of the community and has been recognized for its commitment to student achievement. The Chatfield Farmers Market, held weekly during the summer months, showcases local produce and crafts, supporting local agriculture and small businesses. The city council, led by Mayor Russ Smith, meets regularly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Chatfield City Hall, providing a platform for community engagement and governance.
Chatfield, Minnesota Public Records & Government Resources
State of Minnesota Department of Corrections 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108 Phone: 651-36
Law Enforcement
Beyond the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate throughout the county. The Preston Police Department, Lanesboro Police Department, and Spring Valley Police Department each handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on community policing and local ordinance enforcement. These departments work alongside the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, creating a coordinated response network across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Fillmore County Detention Center in Preston is the primary facility for housing inmates across Fillmore County. When someone is arrested, they're processed through booking—fingerprinting, photographing, and recording of personal information. The public can search for current detainees through an inmate lookup service on Fillmore County's official website. Visitation at the facility requires appointments and adherence to a strict schedule.
Arrest Records
The Fillmore County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, including Chatfield. These records document the details of each arrest, charges filed, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs how these records are accessed, balancing transparency with protection of sensitive information. Typical arrest records in Fillmore County include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Court Records
Court records for Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota, are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch's website at https://mncourts.gov/access-case-records. The public can search for case information, court documents, and other legal records related to the area through this centralized online portal.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Fillmore County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and a sex offender registry. The Fillmore County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. To conduct a background check, individuals can request information from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history checks. The bureau offers a database that includes arrest records, convictions, and other criminal history information relevant to Fillmore County residents.
Public Records Access
Public records for Chatfield are spread across several government resources. The City of Chatfield's official website at https://www.cityofchatfieldmn.gov/ provides information on local government operations, community events, and public services. If you want the community's history, the Chatfield Public Library at https://www.chatfieldpubliclibrary.org/ maintains a collection of historical documents and resources tracing the city's past.
Vital Records
Vital records for Chatfield, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Fillmore County Recorder's Office. Residents can visit the Fillmore County website (https://www.co.fillmore.mn.us/recorder/) to access information on how to request these records. The city also maintains its own records related to local government operations and public works.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses operating in Chatfield can access licensing, permitting, and economic development information through the City of Chatfield's website at https://www.cityofchatfieldmn.gov/business/. The city partners with the Chatfield Chamber of Commerce at https://www.chatfieldchamber.com/ to support local businesses and drive economic growth throughout the community.
Economy & Demographics
Chatfield's economy is primarily driven by its strong agricultural sector, with many local farms and businesses supporting the city's economy. The city also has a thriving tourism industry, with visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty, historic landmarks, and community events. Economic data and information can be found on the City of Chatfield's website and through local business organizations.
Elections & Voter Records
ELECTION HUB for Chatfield, Minnesota voters Chatfield voters are served by the Fillmore County Elections Office at 101 Fillmore St, Preston, MN 55965. Reach the office at 507-765-2661 or visit https://www.co.fillmore.mn.us/government/departments/auditor-treasurer/elections. Voter registration is available online at https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/. The deadline falls 21 days before each election. You'll need a Minnesota driver's license, state ID card, or the last four digits of your Social Security number to complete registration.
As an incorporated city, Chatfield holds mayoral and city council elections in November of odd-numbered years. Candidate information appears on the city's website at https://www.ci.chatfield.mn.us/. Find your polling place at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. Minnesota treats election records such as voter registration lists, absentee ballot applications, and precinct-level results as public information. Request these records from the Fillmore County Elections Office. Fillmore County saw 82% voter turnout in the 2024 general election. The November 2026 elections will include races for mayor, city council, county commissioner, and state legislative seats. To vote absentee, request a ballot at https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-by-mail/. Ballots must be received by election day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: 4/5 | Property: 4/5 | Arrest Logs: 4/5 | Vital Records: 3/5 | Business: 4/5 | Elections: 5/5 | Overall: 4.2/10 — Chatfield and Fillmore County have strong transparency in most public records, with detailed election information readily available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What are the school district and education performance data for Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota?
Public schools in Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Fillmore County school administration or the Minnesota Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2What are the crime statistics for Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota?
Crime data for Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Fillmore County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Chatfield police department or the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office.
3What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota Library?
The Chatfield Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Fillmore County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4Where is the Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota Public Library located?
The Chatfield Public Library serves residents of Chatfield and the surrounding Fillmore County area in Minnesota. Contact the library directly or visit the Fillmore County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota?
Fingerprinting services for Chatfield, Minnesota residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Fillmore County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Chatfield Police Department or the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Minnesota Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Minnesota Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Fillmore County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7How do I register to vote in Chatfield, Minnesota?
To register to vote in Chatfield, Minnesota, residents can register online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Fillmore County elections office. Minnesota requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Minnesota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Chatfield, contact the Fillmore County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8How do I look up property records in Chatfield, Minnesota?
Chatfield public records can be accessed through various government websites and resources. The City of Chatfield's official website (https://www.cityofchatfieldmn.gov/) provides information on local government, community events, and public services. The Chatfield Public Library (https://www.chatfieldpubliclibrary.org/) also maintains a collection of historical documents and resources related to the city's past.
9How do I get a birth or death certificate in Chatfield, Minnesota?
Vital records for Chatfield, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Fillmore County Recorder's Office. Residents can visit the county website (https://www.co.fillmore.mn.us/recorder/) to access information on how to request these records. The city also maintains its own records related to local government operations and public works.
10How do I find business license records in Chatfield, Minnesota?
Businesses in Chatfield can find information on licensing, permits, and economic development opportunities through the City of Chatfield's website (https://www.cityofchatfieldmn.gov/business/). The city also collaborates with the Chatfield Chamber of Commerce (https://www.chatfieldchamber.com/) to support local businesses and promote economic growth.
Nearby Cities in Fillmore County, Minnesota
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