Gazette File photo The interior of the Houghton County Jail is seen in this undated file photo.

HOUGHTON — During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Houghton County Board of Commissioners voted to oppose proposed cuts to Medicaid by the federal government. The resolution came from a recent Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) conference. The vote was 3-2 with Chairman Tom Tikkanen and Commissioner Joel Keranen voting against the resolution.

Houghton county resident Sarah Green addressed the board. “I support that, I really object to my taxes being used to fund giveaways to billionaires, rather than coming back to where they should, to our community, to support critical issues, critical needs like mental health and Medicaid,” Green said.

The board also approved an additional $3,500 for the new Houghton County jail project. This will go towards the creation of a rendering of the jail to “help people better visualize what’s happening,” according to Vice Chairman Roy Britz.

Tikkanen announced that some community members will be approached in the coming days about joining a “temporary citizen’s group” in support of the jail. He said the goal is to raise $10,000 to promote support for the jail millage. “Be prepared, if you don’t want a call from us, turn your phones off.” Tikkanen said during the meeting. “We’re very excited about the progress that’s being made, and also, for the generosity of donors that have already contributed to this.”

Commissioner Glenn Anderson added both the Houghton County Democrats and Houghton County Republicans have voiced support for the new jail.

County Clerk Jennifer Kelly made the board aware that all cities and townships in Houghton County will have to pay roughly $15,000 in 2027 for new voting equipment, for both regular and early voting, per precinct. “This is going to be a big financial burden on them,” Kelly said during her report, adding that she’s hopeful additional grants may become available to help with the cost.

In other action, the Board:

• Approved a Materials Management purchase request of $12,620.00 to recalibrate scales

• Authorized the collection of county taxes

• Authorized the 2025 county millage rate

• Heard a presentation from Christy Hilgers on the MCSSA Scholarship Fund

• Approved the recognition of Big Annie Week beginning on June 17th

• Approved a three-day weekend for Materials Management, giving workers Saturday, July 5th off

• Approved up to $25,000 to repair plumbing in the courthouse building

• Appropriated $13,707.91 to Copper Country Community Mental Health