Houghton County Board accepts FY23 audit, approves contracts and ARPA‑funded jail study
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Summary
At its Oct. 15 meeting the Houghton County Board accepted the FY23 audit (noting a $1.5M General Fund increase), authorized multiple contracts including a $47,000 MSU Extension agreement and up to $47,000 in ARPA funds for a jail master‑plan study, and approved emergency communications and equipment purchases.
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners at its Oct. 15 meeting accepted the FY23 audit, approved several contracts and appropriations, and authorized a consultant study of the county jail to be paid with American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Ken Talsma of Anderson and Tackman presented the FY23 audit booklets and told commissioners the General Fund had increased by about $1.5 million. "Budgeted items should be amended before the County spends the money," Talsma said, urging closer alignment of budgets and spending. The board accepted the audit by a 5‑0 vote.
The board also approved a contract with Lauterback and Amen for monthly services and preparation of the FY24 audit (5‑0). Commissioners approved a $47,000 MSU Extension assessment contract for FY2025 and authorized a jail master‑plan contract with Abonmarche Byce; consultants James Escamilla and Joe Mrak, who addressed the board by Microsoft Teams, said they would analyze bed needs, square footage and options and return one or two proposals. The board authorized using up to $47,000 in ARPA funds to pay for the master‑plan study (motion carried 5‑0).
Public safety and equipment purchases approved at the meeting include three APX 7000 portable radios ($23,000), a radio/battery management server ($8,000) and 70 additional 800 MHz pagers ($56,000) recommended by the 9‑1‑1 Advisory Board, all approved by the board on a voice vote. The board also authorized an 80‑yard roll‑out container for the MMC transfer station for $48,000, and approved in‑house repairs to 17 courthouse sidewalk pads estimated at $10,300.
Other business included reappointments to county boards, adoption of a PA 152 exemption resolution for 2025, approval of travel for a county employee to take a certification exam, and a package of appropriations (two CCMHS payments totaling $27,415.82; WUPHD quarterly appropriation $63,960; Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce $400). A proposed increase in commissioner per diem and salary failed on a 2‑3 vote.
The board also scheduled the November 12 regular meeting to start at 3:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m. and approved an appreciation for County Administrator Ben Larson. The meeting record shows motions and roll calls for the major items; many actions passed unanimously.