Ironwood city commission hears good news about audit

IRONWOOD — The Ironwood City Commission heard good financial news at a brief regular meeting Jan. 8.

The commission heard the final report of the city’s audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

“The auditors gave the city a clean, unmodified opinion. There were no findings, questioned costs, or material misstatements,” city clerk Jen Jacobsen told The Globe.

The commission voted to receive and place the audit on file.

The commission also discussed a $4,563 invoice from Gogebic County 911 for Ironwood Public Safety cell phones. The members tabled the issue in order to obtain an opinion from the city attorney prior to paying the invoice.

As part of his report, City Manager Paul Anderson offered condolences to the family and friends of the two victims of a Jan. 7 fire on Greenbush Street. He also thanked the first responders that aided in the event, including Ironwood Public Safety, Ironwood DPW, Xcel Energy and other organizations.

Anderson said the Sisu “cancellation party” on Jan. 6 went well, all things considered. A lack of snow canceled the 15th annual cross country ski races. He said around 300 to 400 people showed up and enjoyed a pasty and commiserating about the lack of snow, although many were able to get out skiing that day on local trails as late snow had fallen.

Mayor Kim Corcoran thanked the Sisu volunteers, who despite the race not happening this year made the party a successful event.

Anderson said recent snow has helped area ski hills open up more runs, but snowmobile trails are still closed.

He also reported:

—The last Jack Frost Festival event is Jan. 27 — the Light up the Night Christmas Tree Burn at the Norrie Club at 7 p.m.

—Curry Park campground reservations will open on Feb. 5, a little later than usual due to the switchover of booking platforms.

—The Memorial Building gymnasium has been consistently booked for pickleball, basketball and many other activities.

—Phase 1 of the water plant project continues with general contractor C.D. Smith Construction forming up the 16-foot high above grade walls on the building.

—The lead service line replacement project continues with Jake’s Excavating planning to continue working into the winter conditions.

—The Curry Park electrical project and the Jessieville water tank improvement projects are currently in for state review and permitting. Once approved, they will go out for bids.

—Larry Holcombe