THE BAY COLLEGE Iron Mountain campus on U.S. 2 on the city’s north side. (Daily News file photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — About 19% of Dickinson County’s registered voters turned out Tuesday and approved a 20-year millage renewal for Bay College by a vote of 2,389 yes to 1,804 no.

The requested renewal was 0.9987 mills, or just under $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. It was the only issue on Tuesday’s ballot. The millage is expected to raise $1.2 million in the first year.

Had the renewal failed, the college was expected to reevaluate its operations for the Iron Mountain Campus, likely resulting in cuts to programs and services, as well as increases in tuition for Dickinson County students.

“We are incredibly grateful to the residents of Dickinson County for their unwavering support of Bay College and our Iron Mountain Campus,” Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes said in a statement. “This millage renewal is more than just an investment in education — it is a vote of confidence in our students, our workforce, and the future of the region. Because of our community’s belief in access and opportunity, we can continue to deliver high-quality, affordable education and drive economic growth in the U.P. for years to come.”

The millage was approved in seven of Dickinson County’s 10 municipalities by an overall margin of 585 votes, failing to pass only in Breen Township, 60 no to 26 yes; Felch Township, 56 no to 37 yes; and West Branch Township, 13 no to 8 yes.

It was approved in Iron Mountain, 593 yes to 359 no; Kingsford, 476 yes to 272 no; Breitung Township, 657 yes to 558 no; City of Norway, 261 yes to 189 no; Norway Township, 162 yes to 140 no; Sagola Township, 82 yes to 72 no; and Waucedah Township, 87 yes to 85 no.

Since 1977, more than 8,300 students have taken classes at the Iron Mountain campus, including nearly 1,900 graduates, the college said Wednesday in a news release.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.