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Gogebic County board adopts Ottawa National Forest resolution, places millages on August ballot, approves budget amendments and youth grants
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Summary
At its April 8 meeting the Gogebic County Board adopted a resolution supporting the Ottawa National Forest Silver Branch project, declined to support a proposed retail-recovery ordinance, placed three millage measures on the August 4 ballot, approved budget amendments totaling $28,898 and grants to two youth programs, and received the prosecuting attorney's retirement letter.
The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners on April 8 approved a suite of actions including a resolution backing an Ottawa National Forest vegetation project, placement of several millage proposals on the August ballot, budget amendments, and youth-program funding.
Resolution and forestry project: Commissioner Lorenson described the Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project in the eastern part of Gogebic County as a 30-year effort that would include timber harvests, forest-fuel reduction and wildlife-habitat improvements. The board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting the project and agreed to send copies to neighboring counties and state legislators.
Retail-recovery ordinance rejected: Commissioners debated a proposed Community Recovery of Unsaleable Retail Goods Ordinance. Commissioner Matonich said he did not believe an ordinance was the right tool to address the issue, and Commissioner Lorenson agreed. The board moved and voted unanimously to not support the proposed ordinance. Members of the public who addressed the board urged enforcement action; one public commenter told commissioners she felt an ordinance was the only way to secure compliance.
Ballot measures set: Clerk/Register of Deeds Erin Bunt presented ballot language for the Gogebic County Animal Control Program millage proposal (0.2 mills for four years). The board unanimously approved placing that measure on the August 4, 2026 primary ballot; the county estimates first-year revenue at $147,849. The board also voted to place two Gogebic County Medical Care Facility measures on the August ballot: a 0.4-mill Building and Site Improvement proposal (five years; estimated first-year revenue $295,697) and a 0.6-mill Maintenance of Effort renewal (two years; estimated first-year revenue $443,546). Each proposal was described in the published ballot language as a renewal of an expired millage rather than a new increase.
Budget and claims: The board approved the trial balance and general fund revenue/expenditure reports as presented, approved payment of claims and pre-paids (roll-call YES votes from Lorenson, Matonich, Yon, Peterson, Cayer and Siirila), and adopted budget amendments increasing revenues and expenditures by $28,898 across specified line items including data-processing capital outlay and sheriff equipment.
Youth programs funded: The board approved a $2,000 request for the Gogebic Miners junior high baseball program (roll call: YES — Yon, Peterson, Cayer, Lorenson, Matonich; NO — Siirila) and a $5,000 request for Polar Bear Hockey by unanimous voice vote.
Other items: The board received a retirement-letter from Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jacobs, effective May 31, 2026, and Commissioner Yon noted receipt of the 2025 UPCAP report and the Forestry & Parks annual report. Chairman Dan Siirila addressed circulating rumors about commissioner perks. The meeting adjourned at 5:31 p.m.
What's next: Several millage proposals will appear on the August 4, 2026 primary ballot; county staff will continue standard follow-up on budget amendments and the retirement transition for the prosecuting attorney.