Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By RICHARD JENKINS
Ironwood Township — As township officials continue to prepare next year’s budget, some residents have expressed concern regarding the outstanding debt owed to various government entities in the county.
The debt is tax money former treasurer Jyl Olson-DeRosso collected but never passed on to the appropriate entities.
Township Supervisor Steve Boyd said Friday the township’s attorney and forensic auditor encouraged the township to continue operating as normal while they work with the insurance and bonding companies to satisfy the debt.
Although there are more lines on a resident’s tax bill, Township Treasurer Maria Graser told the Daily Globe the tax debt can be divided between three basic entities — Gogebic County, the Ironwood Area Schools and the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District.
The three are owed $820,409 in tax money, with Gogebic County owed $335,181, the Ironwood Area Schools $389,805 and the GOISD $95,423.
“All of this amount is part of the $1.4 million in restitution owed by Ms. Olson,” Boyd said.
Olson-DeRosso was ordered to pay $1,398,654 in restitution and sentenced to 38 months in prison on forgery and embezzlement charges in May.
Boyd said any additional costs would be addressed among the township, its legal team and the respective entities.
Boyd hopes to meet with the impacted entities to address any questions or issues they may have.
Regarding the status of the township’s insurance and bonding payments, Boyd said he has been told the township should receive its $125,000 bond shortly. Discussions continue between the various insurance companies and the township’s legal team regarding the rest of the payments.
“The forensic auditor stated discussions are progressing well and that a positive resolution should occur soon,” Boyd said.