Charlevoix County Transportation Authority to open Ironton Ferry April 15, offers free rides for April

The Charlevoix County Transportation Authority voted April 9 to open the Ironton Ferry on April 15, 2025, contingent on completion of outstanding maintenance tasks, and to offer free rides for the remainder of April. The decision passed on a roll-call vote noted in the minutes as 3.0.

Manager Gordie Russell told the board the ferry is “ready to open on schedule” aside from a few tasks: “They need to paint the ramps and put items back on the Ferry,” he said, and reported staffing of a new captain, three fill-in crew members and five regular crew members. The board’s consensus was to keep 2024 rates unchanged for the 2025 season.

Transportation Coordinator Joe Kroll said fuel costs have improved compared with last year: “Johnson Oil was $3.37/gallon last year. As of today, the rate is $2.94/gallon; still waiting for quotes.” He also reported staff are completing milestone reports required by MDOT.

On capital work, Fiscal Officer Becki King reported that Machin has finished field work on the Ironton Ferry dock replacement and will visit the site once the ferry is operating. The board made the ferry opening contingent on maintenance requests being completed before April 15.

Votes at a glance • Approve minutes of March 11, 2025 — Motion: Michael Cunningham; Second: Pat Klooster; Outcome: approved; Roll Call Vote 3.0. • Open Ironton Ferry April 15, 2025 and offer free rides for remainder of April — Motion: Scott Hankins; Second: Pat Klooster; Outcome: approved; Roll Call Vote 3.0. • Approve March 2025 bills in the amount of $1,152.56 — Motion: Pat Klooster; Second: Michael Cunningham; Outcome: approved; Roll Call Vote 3.0.

The board set its next meeting for May 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 11:47 a.m.