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Houghton County commissioners approve tower move, ARPA payments and join opioid settlement; multiple routine actions pass
Summary
The board approved moving a 911 tower and related equipment ($100,385), several ARPA-funded payments including $25,000 to OHM and $8,809.30 to Karhu Cyber, reappointments, travel authorizations, and agreed to join a national opioid class action.
At its March 14, 2023 meeting the Houghton County Board of Commissioners approved a series of operational and budget items, including funding for 911 infrastructure, ARPA-funded professional services, and participation in opioid litigation.
The board approved $100,385 from the 911 fund to relocate a radio tower from Laurium to the Centennial (Bumbletown) site and to purchase related equipment. Undersheriff Jon Giachino provided a cost estimate to the board during the discussion; the motion (moved by Commissioner Roy Britz and seconded by Commissioner Joel Keranen) passed with a 5–0 vote. The board also approved equipment purchases that included three radios and two mobile tablets supplied by Hancock City for $48,000 and a $7,000 mobile radio for Mercy Ambulance; the 911 Advisory Board recommended a $3-per-hour wage increase for the 911 assistant coordinator, which the board approved.
On appropriations and ARPA spending the board approved a $25,000 payment to OHM Professional Services (ARPA funds), an $8,809.30 payment to Karhu Cyber (ARPA funds), and a $41,123.73 payment to Copper Country Community Mental Health. The board also authorized payment of UPACC dues ($174) and approved second-quarter budget amendments for the Solid Waste Transfer Fund and Treatment Court.
Administrators recommended and the board voted to join a class-action opioid settlement participation covering pharmacies and manufacturers (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Teva and Allergan). Commissioner Glenn Anderson moved the participation; Commissioner Gretchen Janssen seconded, and the motion carried 5–0. Commissioner Britz said he will coordinate local planning for future settlement funds with judges and stakeholders.
Other routine actions included reappointing three members to the Houghton County Jury Board and two members to the VA Services Board (one appointee is currently deployed), travel and training authorizations for county staff, and a recognition for Circuit Court Judge Charles Goodman for 14 years and three months of service.
All motions recorded in the minutes passed by the votes indicated in the meeting record; the board adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
