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Mackinac County weighs aid for St. Ignace transfer station as regional recycling plan advances
Summary
GFL told commissioners the St. Ignace waste transfer station is losing money amid rising costs and seasonal demand; the board agreed to place a proposed $5,000 donation on the next agenda and heard that a regional Materials Management Plan focusing on recycling is being developed with a target approval timeline of about 24 months.
Chair Mike Patrick and the Mackinac County Board of Commissioners discussed the financial strain on the St. Ignace waste transfer station during the board's July 24 meeting.
GFL representative Jim Smith told the board the transfer station is losing money as operational costs rise and summer usage outpaces a slower winter season. Commissioners compared the situation to Clark Township, which uses a millage to cover station costs, and discussed potential local funding options. Commissioner Austin Kimberling said he thought the county could donate $5,000 to the City of St. Ignace to help cover expenses; the board decided to place that potential donation on the next meeting agenda for formal consideration and a vote.
Why it matters: the transfer station provides local solid-waste handling that affects residents' service and local government budgets; finding a funding pathway could avoid service reductions or cost shifts to other jurisdictions.
The board also heard an update from Jeff Hagan of the Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) Regional Planning commission on a regional Materials Management Plan now in development. Hagan said the plan has a heavy emphasis on recycling and that staff hope to have the plan developed and approved within roughly 24 months. Commissioner Daryl Schroeder scheduled a Committee of the Whole meeting for Aug. 14 at 3 p.m. to continue discussion of recycling options.
The meeting included discussion of the animal shelter staffing question after a motion to convert a part-time temporary position to full time was introduced and later rescinded when Clerk Hillary Vowell noted union guidelines that allow part-time employees to work up to 34 hours per week and still be classified part time. Commissioner Kimberling withdrew the motion and the position will remain part time, with the current hours cap.
What comes next: the county will place the proposed $5,000 donation to St. Ignace on a future agenda for a formal vote, and the Committee of the Whole will meet Aug. 14 to pursue recycling and solid-waste options. The regional Materials Management Plan will continue in development with a multi-year timeline.
