IRON MOUNTAIN — A pending deal on the state budget has Dickinson County officials breathing easier as it appears a potential shortfall of more than $500,000 will be avoided.

Bills that cleared the Legislature last week would re-appropriate some $574 million of the nearly $1 billion that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer line-item vetoed from the 2020 budget. For Dickinson County, the package notably restores some $420,000 in payments in lieu of taxes on lands controlled by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said County Controller Brian Bousley.

At a county board meeting Monday, Bousley described steps on the state budget as “all positives,” erasing fears of layoffs for as many as seven full-time county employees. If an agreement proceeds, no major budget adjustments will be needed, he said.

The county’s spending plan will be finalized this week and a public hearing is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. It is fairly consistent with the 2019 budget, which totaled $9.34 million.

Commissioner Kevin Pirlot on Monday moved to add $20,000 to help fund Michigan State University-Extension programs, including 4-H. His motion failed, 3-2, as only Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. gave support.

Commissioners Joe Stevens and Barbara Kramer and Chairman Henry Wender voted no, with Stevens saying he would be open to discussing it later.

The Extension has maintained a local presence despite receiving no appropriations from the county for several years. As recently as 2014, county spending for the Extension was more than $70,000. In both 2015 and 2016, county voters rejected proposed millage levies for the Extension.

In other action, the county board:

— In a 4-1 vote, directed Bousley to prepare a resolution to voice its displeasure with being “held hostage” by the state on property ownership. “Half our county is state land,” said Stevens, arguing more property should be available for private ownership and development. Degenaer voted in favor but cautioned the state might first surrender “swamp land “ and eliminate payments in lieu of taxes. Pirlot voted no, saying the county should be careful about what it invites the state to do. Kramer said on balance the county could benefit greatly.

— Approved a request from Friend of the Court Heidi Van Slooten to post and fill a full-time position in her office, allowing for an overlap of two months to allow for training. Kimberly Ketcham is retiring April 1 after more than 25 years of valuable and exemplary service, Van Slooten said. The $10,000 expense for the two-month transition will be paid through a discretionary fund in the office’s budget.

— Learned from Sheriff Scott Rutter that four to seven Dickinson County volunteers will start training in January to supplement a Delta County-based regional dive team. The Delta County Sheriff Dive Rescue Team specializes in underwater rescue, recovery, and evidence collection.