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The Houghton County Equalization Director is retiring.
That announcement was made Tuesday at the County Board of Commissioners meeting concerning John Partanen.
Deputy Director Cheryl Patrick will take his place. She says she is looking forward to utilizing the county’s new appraisal program and other computer changes.
The county is currently seeking to fill the position of Deputy Director.
The Equalization Department advises and assists the Board of Commissioners in equalizing property tax assessments for the entire County.
2017 was a good year for building in Houghton County.
The County Board of Commissioners was informed by the Building Department that the total number of building permits issued to date for the year was 314.
Building Official Todd LaRoux said the total estimated cost of construction for those permits was $28.8 million, which includes 52 new homes in the county in 2017.
There have been 934 electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits issued to date.
In other business, the board considered four bids for the design of the addition to the Houghton County Jail.
U.P. Engineers and Architects was awarded the job…which includes voter education about the project.
And, in a repeat gesture from last year, the Board of commissioners voted to contribute an additional $1 million to cover the unfunded liability of the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS).
The county is engaged in a plan to pay down the money owed to the fund over several years.
Last year’s additional payment generated $120,000 in interest that went toward the total amount owed.
