Gogebic County approves new budget

By PAMELA JANSSON

pjansson@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners approved a general fund budget of nearly $9.1 million for the 2025 fiscal year.

The Sept. 25 vote followed a brief public hearing during which no comments were issued.

Revenues and expenditures total $9,080,162, and the budget also includes an arrangement to share a percentage of the county’s annual PILT funds — or payment in lieu of taxes — with townships that include national forests.

According to the state of Michigan, PILT funds are paid by the Department of Treasury “to local units of government in lieu of property taxes for the land owned by the state and administered by the Department of Natural Resources.”

Marenisco and Watersmeet townships had requested in recent months that commissioners consider providing a share of the PILT funds.

“It’s been an issue for awhile,” said James Lorenson, who chairs the county board.

He added, “The county doesn’t have to do anything, and there was a point in time when I thought that was appropriate.”

Now, however, he said he understands the point of view expressed by Watersmeet supervisor Mike Rogers and Marenisco supervisor Bruce Mahler.

“So I think some level of sharing is appropriate,” said Lorenson.

But he added that the sharing then should include, as well, other townships within the county that also feature national forest land.

In addition to Watersmeet and Marenisco, the three remaining townships eligible for a PILT share include Bessemer, Ironwood and Wakefield. Erwin Township, the only remaining township in Gogebic County, does not include any national forest land.

Under the new plan adopted by the county, 15% of the county’s next PILT allotment will be prorated in relation to each township’s forest acreage and its taxes paid. The sharing also will include allotments for ambulance and animal control millages.

The expense was authorized for the coming year’s budget.

For the 2025 fiscal year, commissioners also adopted special revenue funds, a Public 152 requirement and the General Appropriations Act.

In addition, they approved budget amendments for fiscal year 2024.

Commissioners decide upon financial votes after receiving related recommendations from the board’s Finance, Budgeting and Auditing Committee.