CRYSTAL FALLS — While the average daily patient count of 118 keeps the Iron County Medical Care Facility’s occupancy above the required 85% minimum, financing at the nursing home remains tight, the Iron County Board learned Tuesday.

Administrator Rob Possanza provided an update to the board ahead of a special meeting planned in August.

A $4.9 million employee retention credit provided as pandemic assistance through the federal CARES Act has been added to the general fund, but a number of costs are rising.

With more and more people retiring, pension and retired employee benefit costs are skyrocketing, Possanza said, adding that a hard look is needed at what future retirement benefits will be.

More than $750,000 has been spent this year on building repairs, including $25,000 on a sewer problem and $17,000 on an air conditioner for Victorian Heights Assisted Living.

On a positive note, Possanza said they have been able to hire eight CNAs and by the end of August should no longer need to use a staffing agency, which is a big financial burden.

For the first time in six years, Iron County Medical Care Facility has applied to become a CNA training facility.

The facility has a new medical director, Dr. Colin Irish, who will be there once a week until a physician’s assistant can be hired who will be there two days a week.

The facility has a complete administrative staff except for a finance director. In lieu of a finance director, Possanza has hired a consulting firm at less cost than filling the position, which drew no applicants.

Skyway Rehab Services has also resumed operations, adding four beds to the patient count, Possanza noted.

Most importantly, the residents and their families are happy with the care they are receiving, he said.

The board Tuesday also authorized $20,000 for combating Eurasian watermilfoil at Chicaugon Lake. Commissioner Patti Peretto said despite years of progress in containing the milfoil, the mild winter was a major setback. Peretto recommended contributing $25,000 for one year only.

In past years the county had provided $8,000 and had budgeted for that amount. The total cost of this year’s project is $58,000, with property owners on the lake contributing.

Vice Chairman Jacob Conery was against the $25,000, saying the board represents all of Iron County, not just the homeowners on Chicaugon Lake.

Chairman Mark Stauber said it is important the county support the effort because if people stop using the lake the county would not be able to afford Pentoga Park.

Conery’s motion for $10,000 failed for lack of a second, as did Peretto’s for $25,000 for the same reason.

Peretto’s compromise motion of $20,000 passed 4-1, with Conery voting no.

The county money for the milfoil effort will be centered on areas around the park and boat launch.

In other action, the board:

— Backed a resolution of support for the 2025 Annual Implementation Plan for Services to the Elderly. The Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress is required to develop a plan that provides development and funding for programs to serve older adults across the Upper Peninsula. More information can be found at https://upcap.org/program/u-p-area-agency-on-aging-upaaa/.

— Approved posting for a clerk’s position that will soon become available.