Houghton County approves resolution to put $32M justice center millage on Aug. 5 ballot
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Summary
The Houghton County Board approved Resolution #25-007 to place a 1.60-mill, 30-year request for a $32 million justice center on the Aug. 5, 2025 ballot, passing 4-1 with Commissioner Joel Keranen opposed. Commissioners discussed bed counts, term lengths and projected millage rates.
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners voted May 13 to place a proposed Houghton County Justice Center on the August 5, 2025 ballot, approving Resolution No. 25-007 to seek 1.60 mills for 30 years to fund a roughly $32 million project. The motion passed four to one; Commissioner Joel Keranen voted no.
Commissioner Glenn Anderson led a discussion of financing options, saying the board must decide between 20-, 25- and 30-year bonds for a baseline 60-bed facility estimated at $29.5 million. He outlined two expansion options: 10 additional beds for about $1.3 million or 20 extra beds for about $2.4 million, which would raise the total cost to roughly $31 million or $33 million and increase the millage by approximately 0.5 mills for the larger configuration.
Chairman Tom Tikkanen and Vice-Chairman Roy Britz said the sheriff and the jail committee recommended a 70-bed design. Anderson noted there would be no prepayment penalty after 10 years under the proposed bond structure.
The board’s approval sends the measure to voters on Aug. 5. A simple majority of participating voters will determine whether the county may levy the mills described in Resolution No. 25-007. If approved, the county will move to finalize bond terms and project design; no construction contracts were approved at the meeting.
Votes on related ballot language at the same meeting included approval of Canal View renewal (2.1 mills) and an Elder Nutrition (Meals on Wheels) millage (1 mill); Commissioner Keranen was the sole no vote on the two social-service ballot items.