CRYSTAL FALLS — The Iron County Board will need to appoint a new commissioner in the new year in District 2 to replace Michael Stafford, who did not seek reelection.

Stafford, who will serve on the county board through the end of December, is poised to become Bates Township supervisor after the Nov. 5 general election. No candidates filed to replace him in District 2, which includes Precinct 1 in the city of Iron River and part of Bates Township.

The board doesn’t expect to act on an appointment before January, after the new term starts.

The board Tuesday also approved a 2025 general fund budget. Monies levied from property taxes comprise 73% of the county’s general fund revenues, or $4,352,846 of $5,929,617 in total revenue.

The Iron County portion of the tax rate to support the budget sits at 6.3581 mills, or $6.36 per $1,000 of taxable property value.

In other business, the board:

— Voted to obligate $43,679.33 in federal American Rescue Plan funds remaining, as required by Dec. 31, toward the elevator upgrade project.

— Approved a budget amendment to accept a $17,599 reimbursement from the state and a $20,000 election security grant to offset election expenses.

— Approved an agreement with Colligo GIS for web-based GIS hosting in 2025 for $3,500.

— Entered into an Indigent Defense Contract with Chief Public Defender Daryl R. Waters to provide services in the county. The agreement took effect Oct.1 and will continue through Sept. 30, 2025.

— Approved a service agreement with Maximus for a cost allocation analysis of federal funds coming into the county. The agreement covers years 2024-2026.

— Authorized a land restriction for the Pentoga Park boat launch. As a condition of grants received from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, restrictions need to be put on the land and DNR approval is required for any use of the land other than conservation and recreation.