Resident urges county resolution and expands cigarette-butt recycling effort

Margaret Brown, a Marquette County resident and public commenter, told the board she shipped 35 pounds of cigarette butts out of Marquette County after local collection efforts in May and June and asked to be placed on the county health department agenda to present a proposal.

"Cigarette butts are the world's worst contaminant," Brown said during the first public-comment period, urging the county to consider a formal resolution and local implementation plans. She told commissioners she will return at the second public comment period with a proposal she has already drafted for board consideration.

Several commissioners responded positively during the commissioners' comments. Vice Chair Nardeen and Commissioner Benzie said they would like to see a resolution drafted and public review before adoption; one commissioner noted that a resolution does not itself create a funding obligation. Brown proposed that individual units of government within the county determine enforcement and implementation.

The exchange concluded with board members thanking Brown for her work and asking staff to consider placing the proposed resolution on a future agenda so the public can review it.