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Houghton County board approves $4.32M in bills and a slate of purchases, and asks prosecutor to review VC3 contracts
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Summary
The board approved paying $4,324,083.91 in bills and multiple purchases including county IT, sheriff vehicles and other appropriations; it also directed the county prosecutor to examine two VC3 contracts whose signatures and approval history were questioned by a commissioner.
At its Nov. 12 meeting the Houghton County Board of Commissioners approved paying $4,324,083.91 in bills and a series of purchases and appropriations, and voted to seek a legal opinion on the legality of two VC3 contracts.
The payment of $4,324,083.91 carried by voice vote with all five commissioners in favor. The board also approved several individual items: $72,806.41 to Tri‑County Public Defenders (finance discussion noted state funds were forthcoming), $18,839.10 to replace courthouse computers with Windows‑11‑compatible Dell units, a pair of Dodge Durango patrol vehicles totaling $92,434 plus $51,350 for equipment, and purchases for sheriff’s sinks and toilets. The board adopted an SOPP fiduciary fee of 1% and approved minor invoices and appropriations, including a $165 WUPPDR housing invoice and appropriations to MSU Extension, Copper Country Community Mental Health and the Western UP Health Department.
Commissioner Joel Keranen raised concerns about two VC3 contracts that appeared in the packet—one signed by Administrator Rheault and one signed by Chairman Tikkanen—and stated there were no meeting minutes showing prior public discussion of VC3. The board voted unanimously to instruct Prosecutor Helmer to provide an opinion on the legality of the VC3 contracts.
Other personnel and administrative actions included appointing Nada Wakeham and David Lamerand as substitute magistrates for the 97th District Court; reappointing Commissioners Glenn Anderson and Joel Keranen to the Houghton County Recreation Authority Board; and directing IT to proceed with $65/month internet and surveillance for the Sharon Avenue property. The board also declined an offer to purchase acreage at the Transfer Station, citing future expansion needs.
The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.