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Dickinson board reviews CARES Act payments

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County has received a grant of $109,000 through the Public Safety and Public Health Payroll Reimbursement Program, County Controller Brian Bousley said.

Like other local governments, the county received 50% of its requested reimbursement, Bousley informed the county board Monday.

The program was funded with $200 million in federal CARES Act money. Requests statewide totaled at least $360 million.

Meanwhile, Bousley said, the county awaits word on an application submitted under the First Responder Hazard Pay Premiums Program. If approved, it would provide additional compensation for first responders — a maximum of $1,000 per eligible employee.

In another CARES Act matter, the controller said he believes the county can find an appropriate use for $217,899 received through the Coronavirus Relief Local Government Grant program. The state made that payment in August to make up for a cut in local revenue sharing, but the money came with restrictions dictated by the enacting federal legislation.

Earlier this month, Bousley advised the county board that some of the payment might have to be returned.

But if public safety expenses aren’t sufficient, the county might now opt for ventilation improvements in the courthouse to qualify for full funding, he said.

In other news, the county board:

— At a Sept. 17 finance meeting, accepted a bid of $26,112 from Midwest Asphalt & Gravel of Iron Mountain to pave the upper level of the courthouse parking lot.

— Will solicit bids for a maintenance agreement for heating, venting and air conditioning at the correctional center, courthouse and Ford Airport. A quote from Energy Control and Design Inc. of Appleton, Wis., was reviewed, but not accepted, at the finance meeting.

— Adopted, at the finance meeting, a resolution of support for House Bill 4590 introduced by state Rep. Sara Cambensy, D-Marquette, to give local voters the option of approving a “tourism tax” on local room rates to help fund emergency medical services, parks and recreation.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500 ext. 226 or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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