Gogebic County commissioners approve six-month trial to meet once a month; change includes claims-payment tweak

On Jan. 14, 2026, the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 to begin a six-month trial reducing its regular meetings from two per month to one, with the regular meeting set for the second Wednesday of the month beginning Feb. 11.

Commissioner Lorenson moved the measure, Commissioner Yon seconded it and the motion passed on a roll-call vote: Yon, Cayer, Lorenson and Chairman Siirila voted yes; Commissioner Matonich voted no. Two members were absent. The motion also adopted recommendations from Accounts Processor Jenna Kallas to allow claims of $2,000 or less (or another threshold set by the board) to be paid through the weekly check run while larger claims would be held for board approval; Kallas also asked that the cut-off for claims be noon the Friday before the meeting.

Why it matters: changing meeting frequency affects how often the board formally reviews claims and conducts business and requires housekeeping amendments to the General Appropriations Act to align budgeted processes with the new schedule. Gogebic County Treasurer Lisa Hewitt later asked that the General Appropriations Act be amended to reflect the change in monthly meetings.

Details: The board discussed legal permissibility with the county administrator and corporate counsel, who confirmed the change would be lawful. The six-month trial provides a chance to evaluate any impacts on workflow, public access and the timeliness of payments. The motion specified the trial would begin Feb. 11, 2026, and included Ms. Kallas’ suggested payment-processing changes.

Next steps: The board will operate on the monthly schedule for six months and revisit the decision at the end of that trial period.