ED McBROOM

IRON MOUNTAIN — The chairman of the Dickinson County Board voiced support Monday for a regional approach to reopening Michigan’s economy during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

During a teleconference with state Sen. Ed McBroom, Chairman Henry Wender asked if the Upper Peninsula could be separated from the Detroit area going forward.

The Vulcan Republican said it appears Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is moving toward regional considerations, something he’d liked to have seen earlier.

“It a very difficult issue to deal with,” he added.

Hospitals, in particular, would benefit from a standard based on the prevalence of COVID-19 infections, McBroom said.

“We’re looking for ways for them to open up and manage in a more robust way, rather than hunkered down,” he told the board.

The pandemic’s economic fallout for state government likely will be severe, McBroom said, citing $2 billion to $3 billion in lost revenues against a general fund budget of $10 billion. State government could see cuts of 10% to 30% across the board, he said.

Commissioner Joe Stevens asked if local governments will share in the distribution of federal aid the state receives.

McBroom said he hopes so but suggested a resolution from the county would be helpful in making the case for local funds and regional allowances in fighting the virus.

“I’m just one voice of many,” he said. “There are a lot of different opinions.”

County Controller Brian Bousley said the county soon may have to consider layoffs, or staff reductions through attrition, as revenues in April are off nearly 3% from a year ago.

“We have a healthy fund balance but that won’t last,” he cautioned. “There are a lot of different factors and there will be some decisions to make.”

In other action, the board:

— Heard Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. say Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers is well-prepared should it experience COVID-19 infections. The facility provides skilled nursing care to 130 residents from Dickinson, Menominee and Delta counties.

— Heard Bousley note that a contractor is making pipe repairs at the Iron Mountain Senior Center after a sewage backup — a problem that plagued the building more than a year ago. The incident occurred even after the center and the county spent roughly $100,000 in 2019 on remedies that included a new lift station. The Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency is temporarily using the Iron Mountain North Elementary School kitchen for its Meals on Wheels program.

— Reviewed and approved the 2020 equalization report. The total county equalized value is $1.05 billion, an increase of 2.14% from a year ago. The rise in taxable value is 1.68%, said Matt Baumgartner, equalization director.

— Issued a letter of thanks to Jerry Worden, who is retiring after a year as interim chief financial officer at Dickinson County Healthcare System. The board applauded Worden’s efforts “to aiding in the restructuring of our hospital during a time of need and great uncertainty.” DCHS is reportedly close to hiring a permanent CFO.

— Offered congratulations and appreciation to court recorder Mary Bruen, who is retiring after 33 years of service in the Dickinson circuit and probate courts. The vacancy will be filled but at a lower grade under a staff restructuring.

— Learned the Kiwanis Ski Club plans to begin work in May, if possible, on improvements at the Pine Mountain ski jump, with the project running into mid-October.

— Approved an annual service contract with Otis Elevator Co. of Chicago for $3,477.

— Extended the expiration date of unused vacation time to Dec. 31 for employees unable to take vacations due to COVID-19.