IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Tensions flared at the Dickinson County board meeting as the Fair Board sought to oust member, Diana Oman, due to repeated absenteeism—missing a total of 8 meetings in nine months, including at least 2 no-shows. Despite the Fair Board bylaws allowing removal after 3 unexcused absences, commissioners deferred the decision to the next meeting, a move contested by Commissioner John Degenaer, Jr., who doubles as the Fair Board president. Commissioner Anne Martin voiced concerns that the member being removed should be allowed to be present when the action takes place, at Oman’s request. Commissioner Joe Stevens agreed.
Degenaer expressed his disappointment, stating, “I think the board has to make a commitment to either follow the bylaws they pass or don’t pass them. It’s a shame, and I’m very disappointed in you as a board member [Anne Martin]. You don’t support the fair.”
In other news, details on the county’s upcoming election training were released for January. The training is scheduled for January 26th at Bay College West, offering both morning and afternoon sessions. Interested individuals can call 906-774-0988 to sign up for the February 27th election, and the training is valid for two years. For more information, interested parties can contact Carol Bronzyk, the county clerk.
The 2024 swearing-in also took place, administered by county clerk Carol Bronzyk.
Tonight’s county commission meeting covered various topics:
1. Election training on Jan 26 offered at Bay College West
2. A total of 7 items on the upcoming February ballot, including: 2 senior millages, healthcare benefits, the ISD, and the health department. The Bay College Millage is not on the ballot until 2025.
3. Check registers were approved.
4. Budget amendments included $12,000 for a park from the general fund, exceeding due to truck purchase.
5. Hangar construction ($850,000) drew from the delinquent tax fund, now needing transfer to the general fund.
6. Correctional officer training ($10,000) despite lower bookings and jail population, due to a need for more fully-trained corrections officers.
7. Library budget ($6,000) increasing annually; efforts to address it are underway.
8. Public improvement projects, including road construction and park improvements, were approved.
9. CUPAD is working on a master plan for county planning.
10. The library board honored Katie Driscoll for 20 years of service.
11. Organizational meeting on Jan 2 in the correctional center conference room.
12. Fair board appointment: John Gunville got 2 votes, Charles Parker got 3.
13. Hangar construction is on track; the airport faced challenges with thick fog, but prioritizes safety.
14. New planes necessitate extra security; college kids on security shifts, County controller prioritizes security shift rotation to avoid burnout.
15. Progress on the new bathhouse; courthouse closed Fri-Mon for the holiday.
16. Lake attraction “Lights at the Lake” are successful, drawing over 200 visitors at open house night on December 17th; a camping reservation opens on Jan 2. Those reserving must call. Visit dickinsoncountymi.gov
17. The 2024 General Appropriations Act was approved.
17. Housing sales are booming, but there’s an expectation of a decline due to increased interest rates.
