IRON MOUNTAIN — TRICO Opportunities will continue to provide janitorial services for Dickinson County, but the cost — up 20% in 2024 — is under question.

The county board voted 3-2 Monday to renew the contract for cleaning at the courthouse and correctional center in Iron Mountain, as well as Ford Airport in Kingsford.

The 2024 rate for each site is $90 per day, generally five days a week, two hours per day at the airport and varied hours at the courthouse and correctional center. The county began contracting with TRICO for courthouse services in 2017 at an initial rate of $47.28 per day.

The rate at each site this year is $75 per day, Controller Brian Bousley said.

TRICO, based in Kingsford, provides training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Commissioner Ann Martin called TRICO a valuable community asset and was joined by Commissioner Joe Stevens and Chairman Henry Wender in approving the contract. Their consensus was the service can be reviewed in the future.

Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. voted against the renewal, saying the county should get other quotes to be fiscally responsible. Commissioner Barbara Kramer, who also voted no, asked if the rate could be negotiated.

There was no indication TRICO’s services are unsatisfactory. There was also no discussion on whether its tasks have expanded.

In other action, the board:

≤ Rescheduled its next regular meeting to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, to avoid a conflict with Christmas. The agenda will include a hearing on the 2024 budget.

≤ Received information from attorney Steve Burnham of Plainwell concerning the need for a resolution confirming the status of Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare Systems as a mental health authority in Dickinson, Iron and Menominee counties. The action is needed because there’s confusion over whether reorganizational procedures required by the state were completed when Northpointe formed in 1998. There are no financial or other implications in “trying to square this up,” Burnham said.

≤ Will await a formal response from Northpointe CEO Jennifer Cescolini on questions presented by Kramer mainly about the community mental health agency’s finances, including retention bonuses paid to employees. Northpointe is governed by a 12-member board with five representatives each from Dickinson and Menominee counties and two from Iron County, each appointed by the respective county boards. About 95% of the agency’s funding is federal, according to Burnham.

≤ Adopted a resolution to remain in compliance with a 2011 state law by paying no more than 80% of the annual cost of health insurance for county employees.

≤ Appointed Dr. John Shealey to fill a vacancy on the Veterans Service Office Board.