Houghton County commissioners approve $3.32M in bills, back patrol vehicles and routine appointments; reject $16,189 inmate-app purchase

Houghton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tom Tikkanen presided over a Nov. 12 regular meeting in the courthouse conference room where the board approved a series of routine administrative measures, including payment of $3,318,998.34 in county bills and the purchase of two patrol vehicles budgeted at $89,412.

The measures passed included updates to county personnel policy Article 32 to reflect current IT standards, adoption of a 2% cost-of-living increase in a defined-benefit agreement (with one abstention), reappointments and an appointment to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and approval of three routine appropriations (MAC dues, WUPPDR first-quarter payment and UPCAP dues).

Why it matters: The approvals authorize near-term spending and personnel changes that affect county operations, public-safety fleet readiness and regional partnerships. The board’s rejection of a proposed $16,189.50 purchase for an inmate-facing mobile app signaled caution about adopting that specific technology without additional information from staff.

Approvals and outcomes

- Bills and routine payments: The board approved paying $3,318,998.34 in bills (motion moved by Commissioner Roy Britz and seconded by Commissioner Glenn Anderson). The voice tally listed all five commissioners in the affirmative.

- Patrol vehicles: The sheriff’s office received authorization to purchase two budgeted patrol vehicles for $89,412.00 (motion moved by Commissioner Britz, seconded by Commissioner Anderson); the vote was unanimous.

- IT/personnel updates: The board approved an amendment to Personnel Policy Article 32 to update IT standards and practices and approved the Houghton County Road Commissioners’ annual compensation and benefits package by voice votes.

- Benefit COLA adoption: Commissioners approved a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for a defined-benefit adoption agreement. The motion carried by roll call with four voting yes and Commissioner Roy Britz recording an abstention.

- Appointments and appropriations: The board reappointed Tim Sears to the Planning Commission and appointed Chelsea Rheault to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to replace Ben Larson. It also approved appropriations for MAC (dues $5,242.64), WUPPDR (1st quarter $3,717.75) and UPCAP (2025 dues $1,100.00).

Contested item — inmate mobile app denied

The board considered a $16,189.50 purchase from OCV, LLC for an iOS app intended to interface with the sheriff’s office inmate-management systems. IT staff member Bernard Kluskens had been working on the issue and explained that the county’s current mobile app was not functioning. Commissioner Joel Keranen requested additional information about the purchase during the discussion. Commissioner Gretchen Janssen moved to approve the purchase and Commissioner Glenn Anderson seconded, but the motion failed on a roll-call vote: Janssen and Anderson voted yes; Chairman Tom Tikkanen, Commissioner Joel Keranen and Commissioner Roy Britz voted no.

Renewals and reimbursements

The board renewed the Solidcircle CVA jail management system for $19,253.76 (annual) and approved an $8,125 three-year warranty for Solidcircle with the understanding that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will reimburse that warranty cost to the county.

Public comment and next steps

Calumet Township Supervisor Tim Gasperich asked the board for a letter of support for a non-motorized trail project. The board also paused to congratulate the County Clerk on her election victory. The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Benefit COLA adoption: approved (Yes 4; Abstain 1 — Britz). - Personnel Policy Article 32 (IT) amendment: approved (voice vote 5-0). - Road Commissioners compensation & benefits: approved (voice vote 5-0). - Letter of support for Franklin Township DNR grant: approved (voice vote 5-0). - Planning Commission reappointment (Tim Sears): approved (voice vote 5-0). - Brownfield Redevelopment Authority appointment (Chelsea Rheault): approved (voice vote 5-0). - County Clerk request — canvassers third-day pay ($40.00): approved (Yes 5). - Sheriff’s Office purchase — two patrol vehicles ($89,412.00): approved (Yes 5). - Sheriff’s Office purchase — OCV, LLC mobile app ($16,189.50): FAILED (Yes 2; No 3). - Solidcircle CVA renewal ($19,253.76): approved (voice vote 5-0). - Solidcircle 3-year warranty ($8,125.00) with MDHHS reimbursement: approved (voice vote 5-0). - Travel: none. - Appropriations (MAC/WUPPDR/UPCAP): approved (voice vote 5-0).

(For detailed provenance of each item, see the official meeting minutes.)