Houghton County commissioners approve agenda, set Aug. 12 follow-ups on software, audits and housing aid

The Houghton County Board of Commissioners convened a work session Aug. 4, 2025, and approved the meeting agenda with a 3–0 voice vote. Chairman Tom Tikkanen led the session and County Clerk Jennifer Kelly conducted roll call. Commissioner Gretchen Janssen moved to approve the agenda and Commissioner Roy Britz seconded the motion, which passed.

The board set several items for the August 12 regular meeting after receiving preliminary staff briefings. Finance Manager Alex said the county must decide next week on its FY2025 auditor selection after proposals were received, and Tikkanen asked Alex and staff to meet with potential consultant Ken Talsma before the monthly board meeting. On software, Teresa Hill briefed commissioners that the county’s current BS&A version will soon be obsolete and that a cloud upgrade was quoted at about $200,000 annually; Tikkanen asked Hill to email commissioners with costs and deadlines and requested the item be on the Aug. 12 agenda. Commissioner Janssen noted the proposal is valid through Sept. 29.

On housing and community development, Lisa McKenzie reported two homeowner applications under the Michigan H.O.P.E. grant that require county Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) assistance totaling $28,500; McKenzie said the county’s CDBG fund has more than $100,000 available and was asked to return a recommendation at the Aug. 12 meeting. The board also heard brief updates on cybersecurity grant work and personnel matters.

Public comment included a request from Faith Morrison to include commissioners’ committee assignments on the website item and a remark from Judge Brennan noting the county’s population gain in 2020 and a poverty rate above 3%.

Commissioner Janssen moved and Commissioner Britz seconded adjournment at 11:02 a.m.; the motion carried by voice vote.