Mackinac County tables transfer station funding, asks local units to meet

The Mackinac County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 11 voted to table a decision on funding the county transfer station and to send a letter to local units requesting a meeting to discuss cost-sharing and options.

Commissioner Austin Kimberling moved to table the vote and Commissioner Judy St. Louis-Scott seconded; the motion carried unanimously with Commissioner John Kling absent. Kimberling said the board should seek more input from the county’s townships and municipalities before committing county funds. Commissioner Daryl Schroeder said the county should consider waiting for Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) funding opportunities before moving forward.

Local officials who spoke during the meeting urged shared solutions. Moran Township Supervisor Sue Dionne said Moran Township already pays $4,000 annually for bulk-item pickup and is reluctant to pay more unless costs are split among local units. City Manager Scott Marshall said he was concerned about where large items such as couches, refrigerators and televisions would be taken if the transfer station closed and noted the facility would remain open until Oct. 31 if funding is not settled. Council Member Jill Eyre said the city’s limited budget made it difficult to assume the transfer station’s costs alone.

The board directed Commissioners Kimberling and St. Louis-Scott to reach out to local units to schedule the requested meeting. No formal funding change or appropriation occurred at the Sept. 11 meeting.