Houghton County Apportionment Committee Needs to Answer Tough Questions

Will the county have to split the city of Houghton? It is the question that the county’s apportionment committee will need to determine by October 11^th. Otherwise the state may have to step in. The city has over 8,000 residents, already making the district above the limit of 11.9% above the necessary average per district. Each district will need to have about 7,472 residents for all to be within that range.

The county currently has five commissioners, and there is no push to add any more. The advantage of keeping the odd number for the commission is decisions can pass with a majority. Opposed to with 6 members, there would need to be a clear majority of 4 to 2 votes. The committee will reconvene on September23rd, in two weeks, to present plans made by each member. As well as look at any maps submitted by the public. Any maps submitted by the public must be discussed. If you wish to send in your own map please send them to the county clerk’s office.