QUINNESEC — A cybersecurity grant of $126,000 awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will allow Breitung Township to update its information systems software and protect against threats, including ransomware intrusions.

Township Superintendent Steve Mulka reported Monday that much of the funding can be spent on a BS&A Cloud Software update. Deputy Clerk Deborah Hansen has been notified the application was successful and funding is good into 2027, he told the township board. The grant also includes three years of cybersecurity services, Mulka noted.

Clerk Hannah Chrivia said it might be wise to delay converting to cloud software, as some municipalities have reported glitches in BS&A upgrades. The board concurred that Chrivia and her staff should wait until February to give direction on implementing the grant.

“If we’re not in a rush, I think we’ll come out a winner,” Supervisor Denny Olson said.

BS&A promotes its cloud system as giving municipalities the power to manage finances, human resources, utilities, property taxes and payments all in one place.

According to the National Association of Counties, the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program provides $1 billion over four years to state, local and tribal governments as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

In other township news:

— By action of the board at an earlier meeting, the township millage rate for the next budget year will remain at 4.2 mills, or $4.20 per $1,000 of taxable value.

— Department of Public Works Superintendent Jay Davis is scheduling the purchase of a small municipal dump truck this year. As the market is surveyed and specifications are finalized, the board at its Oct. 13 meeting may seek quotes from Sourcewell and MiDeal vendors.

— Facing a 2028 deadline to provide residents the option of curbside recycling pickup, research will continue on the township’s options. A first decision is whether to make participation optional or mandatory. Mulka said he’s proposed drop-off containers at the three fire stations to satisfy compliance for 2026, and will update the board on whether the township will need to offer curbside pickup sooner. Michigan legislation adopted in December 2022 established a number of recycling benchmarks for local governments.

— A claim will be filed with the township’s insurer in an effort to recover cleanup costs after the basement of a home on the 600 block of Breen Avenue was flooded with a few inches of water during a hydrant flushing. Davis said the flooding occurred because the flushing went on for too long.

— Annual water tests for volatile organic compounds and herbicides were retaken and sent to the White Water Associates laboratory in Amasa. There were two failed attempts to get samples to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy lab within the correct water temperature through the mail, Davis reported.

———

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