IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County will replace a van that has served as the incident command vehicle for the sheriff’s department for nearly four decades.

Sheriff Scott Rutter told the county board Monday that the replacement vehicle is a 2002 International model that will be used to coordinate communication and provide support during critical incidents, such as standoffs or search and rescue operations.

Controller Brian Bousley said the purchase is being negotiated at $25,000 to $30,000. The county is inspecting the unit, formerly owned by another municipality. The board had authorized the search for a vehicle at a special meeting Thursday.

In other action Monday, the county board:

— Heard Rutter and Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Richards praise Lt. Jason Conery, jail administrator, and other correctional center staff for their handling of the coronavirus threat. Board members, meanwhile, urged the public to take all due precautions as the number of local cases continues to soar. “Things are getting bad,” Commissioner Kevin Pirlot said. “Not somewhere else, it’s right here.”

— Adopted a resolution to accept a Michigan Department of Transportation contract for capital improvements at Ford Airport. The total estimated project cost is $2.64 million. The entire amount will be covered by federal Airport Improvement Program funds, supplemented by federal CARES Act funding. The project includes rehabilitation of two taxiways, lighting and signage. A $2.06 million construction bid from Bacco Construction Co. of Iron Mountain was accepted in June, but the work is now scheduled for 2021.

— Learned from Bousley that a training exercise is scheduled for Wednesday at Ford Airport, simulating a plane crash.

— Heard Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. report that, despite the cancellation of most Dickinson County Fair events this year, the fair board was able to meet its loan obligation without dipping into reserves. The payment was about $22,000, he said. The fair board was authorized in 2017 to borrow up to $250,000 for fairground improvements in Norway that included adding a multipurpose building.

— With Bousley meeting this week with the Senior Citizens Council of Dickinson County, will expect senior center ownership at Crystal Lake soon will be transferred to the group. Board Chairman Henry Wender is asking for action at the board’s Oct. 26 meeting as legal complications have delayed the sale since summer.

— Declined to pay $9,000 in annual dues for 2021 membership in the Central Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Association in Escanaba. The county hasn’t paid for a CUPPAD membership in several years but continues to use free assistance or seek help on a contractual basis.