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County Board hears reports, updates
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HOUGHTON -- Before Tuesday’s contentious public comment period at the Houghton County Board of Commissioners, the board hosted two public hearings, heard updates from two organizations and approved a resolution expanding emergency medical services. The jail committee was another topic of discussion.
Houghton County Revolving Loan Fund Manager Jeff Radcliffe updated the board on the loan closeout process for Peak Metal Roofing in Hancock. Radcliffe said three jobs were created through the loan and he will be reporting to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to complete the closeout process. Peak Metal Roofing was approved for a $45,000 loan in March 2024.
Radcliffe gave another update, this time with the recommendation for approval of a $70,000 loan to Highrock Hardware in Hancock. He said the loan will be used for the business to expanded its operation. The loan was approved by the board.
Jessica Mills and Michael Babcock of Copper Shores updated the board on its Meals on Wheels program. Mills said the program recently expanded to Twin Lakes and Alston and it is expected to surpass the previous year's operations. It has served 81,829 meals to seniors this calendar year.
Pete Bird and Roy Manninen of the Western U.P. Health Department requested an increase of its current appropriations. Baril said he wanted the WUPHD's funding readjusted to reflect the region's needs and increased costs. The Health Department's current approved quarterly appropriation from July thru Sept. was $69,106.50.
A few emergency response agenda items were approved. Resolution 26-12 supporting House Bill 5249 to expand emergency medical service capacity was approved, along with contract renewals with the county's IAmResponding app and with the Negaunee Regional Dispatch Center. A June payment to Tri-County Public Defenders was also approved.
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners will meet in special session at 1 p.m Aug. 5 in the Houghton County Courthouse. The final draft of the county jail millage proposal is expected to be discussed and voted on. The jail committee was directed to use the rough order of magnitude estimates to draft a millage.