IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County is reviewing a request to contribute to 4-H and other Michigan State University-Extension programs, something it hasn’t done for six years.

Paul Putnam, Extension District 1 director in the Upper Peninsula, was joined by several members of the local Bits & Bridles 4-H Club at Monday’s county board meeting. They asked commissioners to take a new look at 4-H funding.

“We really appreciate your consideration again,” Putnam said.

The county in 2014 provided about $71,000 for the Extension, which at that time helped sustain an office and support staff. The allocation was cut to $20,000 for 2015, then eliminated in 2016 after voters rejected a millage.

A proposed Extension levy of 0.12 mills, or 12 cents per $1,000 of taxable value, was defeated in May 2015 by a vote of 2,646 no to 2,327 yes. In August 2016, a proposed levy of 0.07 mills, or 7 cents per $1,000 of taxable value, was denied by a vote of 3,245 no to 2,258 yes.

Had the 2016 proposal had been approved, it would have generated about $69,000 to help sustain 4-H youth development, agriculture and other community education programs in the county. A similar amount has now been requested by Putnam for the 2022 county budget, Controller Brian Bousley said.

Putnam told the board Monday that 4-H is a form of economic development, as it teaches business skills and fosters other talents.

“It’s investing in your future labor force,” he said, noting participants have strong ties to the region.

Putnam had attended a Nov. 1 board committee meeting to further explain his request.

No discussion took place Monday on the funding. The board will receive a draft 2022 budget later this month.

Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. has in recent years suggested a $20,000 contribution for 4-H but never gained majority support.

In other action, the board:

— Discussed plans to soon post a public survey at https://www.dickinsoncountymi.gov/ that will be used to help guide an update of the county’s parks and recreation plan.

— Approved a plan to purchase Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance in 2022 through MESSA, a Michigan-based nonprofit voluntary employees’ beneficiary association. The move applies to active employees.

— Learned from Bousley that Dickinson County Healthcare System attorney Michael Celello has requested a meeting with the board as talks continue on DCH joining Marshfield Clinic Health System. A letter of intent was signed last month, with hopes of having a definitive affiliation agreement by the end of the year.