IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County will see an estimated increase in taxable value of 4.7% this year, which should boost the operating levy for the county budget by nearly $339,000, county board members learned Monday.

Equalization Director Matt Baumgartner presented his annual report to the board, noting the 8.8% rise in equalized value in the county. It brings the county’s total assessed valuation to $1.73 billion, up from $1.59 billion a year ago.

“Our county is strong,” Baumgartner remarked when asked by Commissioner Joe Stevens if a significant rise in property valuations is typical for the Upper Peninsula.

The increase is due to higher assessments as well as new construction, Baumgartner said.

The 5.4% rise in taxable value in 2025 followed an 8.7% increase in 2024 and a 5.1% increase in 2023.

For homeowners, unless an addition has been built, a higher assessment doesn’t necessarily mean a similar property tax increase. Under state law, a cap is placed on taxable value.

The Michigan State Tax Commission inflation rate cap for taxable valuation in 2026 is 2.7%, which is down from 3.1% in 2025.

In both 2024 and 2023, the cap was 5%, which is the maximum allowed by Proposal A adopted by Michigan voters in 1994. That law limits the increase in taxable value to 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

If there is a transfer of ownership, the taxable value “uncaps” to match the state equalized value. The equalized value is 50% of market value.

In other action Monday, the county board:

— Reappointed Quintin Olson of Quinnesec and David Brisson of Breitung Township to three-year terms on the Dickinson County Road Commission.

–Eliminated payment of mileage allowances for Dickinson County Fair Board members to attend regular and special board meetings. This brings the board in line with others in the county, Chairman Dan Harrington said.

— Approved an additional allocation of $25,000 to the Medical Care Access Coalition, a local nonprofit. MCAC services are funded through a levy of 0.1 mills, or 10 cents per $1,000 of taxable value, which voters renewed for four years in February 2024 to provide professional assistance for obtaining Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drugs, affordable health insurance, prescription assistance and other related health care benefits. Mylynn Trulock, executive director of MCAC, requested the funding from an unspent reserve that’s been generated by the dedicated tax levy, Controller Brian Bousley said.

— Authorized participation in an opioid settlement agreement involving six remaining defendants, with an expected payment totaling $97.6 million nationwide. The local amount is still undetermined, Bousley said.

— Approved an allocation of $1,500 to the Carney Lake Association to assist in the treatment of Eurasian watermilfoil.

— Allowed a 90-day extension of vacation time for Christine Erkkila, deputy director of 911 and emergency management services.

— Approved an allocation of $1,000 to the Botvin LifeSkills Training program in schools, pending a decision on using opioid settlement funds for this purpose. The request was made for supplies and snacks currently provided by instructors.

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