Gogebic County board approves $141,952 in budget amendments, appoints jury board member and authorizes airport contracts

The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners met Aug. 27 and, during a meeting called to order by Chairman Dan Siirila, approved a series of administrative and fiscal actions including budget amendments totaling $141,952 and multiple routine reports.

The Board approved the county’s 2025 winter tax levy paperwork (L‑4029) and authorized the appropriate signatures after a presentation by Kathy Jo Koval, Equalization Director. It also authorized Chairman Siirila to sign airport sponsor contracts with the Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics related to MDOT Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act agreements following a request from Gogebic‑Iron County Airport Manager Jeremy Busch.

The board discussed a nomination from Circuit Judge Michael Pope and, on a motion by Commissioner Matonich supported by Lorenson, appointed Amanda Maki to fill a vacant jury board seat for the remainder of the unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2026. The Board also adopted a Suicide Prevention Week resolution (motion by Wood, support Matonich) and authorized the necessary signatures.

On a separate roll call the board approved budget amendments that increase and reallocate county revenues and expenditures by a net $141,952 across multiple line items. Examples listed in the amendments included increases to Unpaid Personal Property Tax (+$12,096), National Forest Reserve (+$16,600), Marijuana Tax (+$33,499) and an $89,500 capital outlay increase for buildings and grounds; matching expenditure adjustments were recorded across departmental budgets. The motion to authorize the budget amendments passed on a roll call vote YES (5): Cayer, Wood, Lorenson, Matonich, Siirila; NO (0).

Financial reports — the trial balance/cash & investment balance and the general fund revenue and expenditure control report — were presented and placed on file. The Board also approved payment of claims and pre‑paids (motion by Lorenson, support Cayer); that action passed on roll call YES (5): Wood, Lorenson, Matonich, Cayer, Siirila.

During public comment, MSU District 1 Director Paul Putnam urged the Board to keep a county 4‑H position full time, saying, “the program has been successful.” Commissioners asked for further detail; the meeting record shows questions about office hours and program enrollment. The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Approve July 23 minutes — approved (unanimous voice vote); Approve agenda with additions — approved (unanimous voice vote); L‑4029 winter tax levy — approved (unanimous voice vote); Authorize MDOT airport sponsor contracts — approved (unanimous voice vote); Appoint Amanda Maki to Jury Board — approved (unanimous voice vote); Adopt Suicide Prevention Week resolution — approved (unanimous voice vote); Budget amendments authorizing net $141,952 reallocation — approved (roll call YES 5, NO 0); Pay claims and pre‑paids — approved (roll call YES 5, NO 0).