Marquette County commissioners place two millages on August ballot, cede plumbing/mechanical permitting to state and award boiler contract

The Marquette County Board of Commissioners on May 5, 2026 voted to place two millage proposals on the August ballot, adopted an ordinance relinquishing county authority over mechanical and plumbing permitting to the State of Michigan, approved the county’s 2026 tax rate request and claims and accounts, and awarded a boiler replacement contract at the 104 Building at KI Sawyer.

Commissioner Benzie moved to place the county proposition to continue and slightly increase the Marquette County Transit Authority (Marq‑Tran) millage on the August 2026 ballot; Commissioner LaLonde seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The measure would renew .5887 mill and add .0113 mill (total up to .6 mill) for six years (2027–2032) and is estimated to raise about $2,104,700 in its first year. Alex Berger, civil counsel, and Kami Fassbender, the county CFO, presented updated ballot language.

Commissioner LaLonde moved to place a veterans affairs millage proposal on the same ballot; Commissioner Benzie seconded and the motion passed 5‑0. Diana Dost, director of the Marquette County Department of Veterans Affairs, told the board the 0.0500‑mill levy (0.05 per $1,000 of taxable value) would run 2027–2035 and is estimated to raise $171,900 in the first calendar year to expand outreach, transportation coordination and other veteran services.

Separately, the board adopted Ordinance 04‑07B‑2026 to rescind Marquette County’s administration and enforcement authority over mechanical and plumbing provisions of the State Construction Code and to establish the State of Michigan as the permitting and inspection authority for such work within the county. Commissioner Alholm moved to adopt the ordinance and Commissioner Numinen seconded; a roll‑call vote recorded five ayes and no nays. The ordinance text states it becomes effective May 5, 2026 or on any later date required by law.

On fiscal matters the board approved the 2026 tax rate request after a presentation by CFO Kami Fassbender. The board also approved the review of claims and accounts: total expenditures paid via checks and EFTs for April 17–April 30, 2026 were $2,612,199.98, and biweekly payroll for the period ending April 25, 2026 was $903,435.80; Commissioner LaLonde moved the approval, Commissioner Numinen seconded, and the motion passed 5‑0.

Facilities Manager Aaron Karlstrom described boiler failures at the county’s 104 Building and presented competitive bids. The board awarded the boiler replacement to Prime Contracting of Marquette, the lowest responsive bidder at $57,381.00; the motion by Commissioner Benzie, seconded by Commissioner Alholm, passed 5‑0. Other bids reported were Johnson Controls $59,995.00, Valley Mechanical $64,927.00 and JF Ahern $76,390.00.

The board also approved a short, one‑day temporary appointment to the Finance Committee so Commissioner LaLonde could sign claims and accounts in Chairperson Derocha’s absence; that motion passed 5‑0.

Votes at a glance: • Marquette County Transit Authority millage (place on Aug. 2026 ballot) — motion passed 5‑0; estimated first‑year revenue ~$2,104,700. • Veterans Affairs millage (place on Aug. 2026 ballot) — motion passed 5‑0; estimated first‑year revenue ~$171,900. • Ordinance 04‑07B‑2026 (rescind county mechanical & plumbing permitting) — adopted by roll call, ayes 5, nays 0; effective May 5, 2026 or later as required by law. • 2026 tax rate request — approved 5‑0. • Review of claims and accounts (April 17–30 expenditures $2,612,199.98; payroll $903,435.80) — approved 5‑0. • 104 Building boiler replacement — award to Prime Contracting for $57,381.00; approved 5‑0. • Temporary appointment to Finance Committee (one day) — approved 5‑0.

What’s next: The millage proposals will appear on the August 2026 ballot if certified; the ordinance will move to publication and any required waiting period before taking effect. The board adjourned at approximately 7:41 p.m.