County objects to vaccine diversion

BESSEMER — The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners will voice its objection to what they described as a diversion of COVID-19 vaccinations from rural to more populated areas of the state.

The board Wednesday unanimously approved sending a letter to the appropriate people within the offices of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Public Health and Human Services. The letter will state the county’s concern that a decision was made to divert vaccines to larger health systems in more densely populated areas of lower Michigan.

The action followed a report from board chair James Lorenson, who said he is requesting more information than what was provided, which is essentially that distribution of a first vaccination was given to people and that the health systems are finding they now don’t have enough vaccine available for the second booster shot.

The commissioners should do something to advocate for the vaccine to be continued, he said. Gogebic County has a vulnerable population of people over age 65 that is greater than many other areas of the state. It would be better to say something than to just let it go without voicing a concern, he said.

“I think it would be appropriate for us to send a letter objecting to the diversion and that we don’t think it’s appropriate that rural Michigan be penalized for how others are administering the vaccine,” Lorenson said. “We at least deserve the consideration.”

In other business, the board approved a request from John Frello, the county Veterans Service Office to expand authorized services for funding to include snow removal and lawn maintenance from vetted and approved contractors for eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.

The board approved a Gogebic-Iron County Airport contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for county employees to participate in a required annual firefighter training in May. The training will include disaster training and a day in the burn simulator, according to Mike Harma, airport manager.

In her report to the board, Juliane Giackino, county administrator, said the county audit is progressing after all requested information was provided to the auditing firm. A U.S. Department of Agriculture grant was approved and will pay for a Jeep and a plow truck, she said.

Lorenson said a personnel committee meeting will be scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Feb. 24, prior to the 4:30 p.m. finance committee meeting and the 5 p.m. board of commissioners meeting. The county court has requested time for a presentation on mandated restructuring and will provide commissioners with information ahead of the meeting.