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Dickinson OKs boost in drug team funding

IRON MOUNTAIN — A drug enforcement program in Dickinson County will receive a boost in funding under an updated agreement that adds 50 cents per resident to the K.I.N.D. team’s annual budget.

Using 2020 census data, payments to K.I.N.D. from Dickinson County and local governments will total $32,433, based on a population of 25,947 at $1.25 per person.

During Monday’s county board meeting, Sheriff Scott Rutter explained a rate of 75 cents per resident has been in effect at least 20 years. Breitung Township and the cities of Kingsford, Iron Mountain and Norway pay a per-resident rate, while Dickinson County pays a per-resident rate for the townships of Breen, Felch, Norway, Sagola, Waucedah and West Branch.

In addition to the base funding, K.I.N.D. receives a share of forfeiture funds, which can be used for operational costs, training and equipment.

The investigative unit was formed to collect information on drug use and activity and coordinate drug enforcement.

Its board of directors includes the chiefs of the Iron Mountain and Norway police departments, the director of Kingsford Public Safety and the county’s sheriff and prosecutor.

Each agency may also designate an alternate director, subject to K.I.N.D. board approval.

The drug unit has a team coordinator, individual department coordinators, a financial officer and a liaison between the board and team members.

The county board approved the updated funding Monday and it now will be presented to the municipalities for approval.

Starting at $4.62/week.

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