CRYSTAL FALLS — Iron County’s work van program is nearly ready to start up again after being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sheriff Ryan Boehmke said.

A part-time deputy will operate the van and all that remains is to finalize policies for offenders who participate, Boehmke told the county board Tuesday. The sheriff’s department recently purchased a used van that Boehmke said is now lettered and equipped.

The board, meanwhile, voted to establish a budget for the program.

Boehmke also reported that the jail is housing an average of six inmates per day from Marquette County. The county is receiving $35 per day per inmate and Marquette County picks up any medical expenses.

In other business, the board:

— Will have interviews Feb. 4 for the vacant District 2 seat that opened when former Commissioner Mike Stafford resigned to assume a Bates Township supervisor position. Board Chair Mark Stauber said initially there had been little interest but now several candidates have come forward.

— Approved the hiring of a full-time corrections officer. A current part-time officer will take the full-time position and a part-time position will soon be posted.

— Approved a $3,300 per year salary increase for the combined position of county clerk/register of deeds. Commissioner Patti Peretto stated that there is currently a difference in pay between the clerk/register of deeds and the treasurer and, with the combined duties of two offices, the pay increase was justified. The position is held by Amy Donati.

— Gave the go-ahead to spend $2,680 to install panic buttons in the clerk’s office and the trial court office.

— Approved county funding for the purchase of Life Tracker units. Stauber suggested moving forward a line item for $1,000 in the yearly budget so this is no longer a yearly issue before the board.

— Voted to amend the county commission’s rules of order. The rules were changed to accommodate the four-year terms commissioners will now serve.

— Renewed annual membership in the Iron County Lakes and Streams Partnership.