Bay College’s Iron Mountain campus is at 2801 N. U.S. 2. (Sean Chase/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County voters will be asked Aug. 5 to renew a property tax levy for 20 years to support Bay College.

The Dickinson County Board adopted a resolution Monday for the special election, as the current levy expires in 2026. The tax of 0.9987 mills, or just less than $1 per $1,000 of taxable value, would generate an estimated $1.2 million when first levied in 2027, according to the ballot language.

“Bay College has proven itself,” Commissioner Barbara Kramer said, adding she’ll be happy to back a campaign in support of the renewal.

“I’m glad we have a chance for the community to decide,” Commissioner Joe Stevens said.

Founded in 1963, Bay de Noc Community College has campuses in Escanaba and Iron Mountain. Property tax support from Dickinson County began in 2007 in conjunction with the opening of the Iron Mountain facility.

The college is governed by a seven-member board elected by voters in Delta County. A nine-member advisory board serves the Iron Mountain campus.

Dickinson County a year ago asked for direct representation on the governing board but learned that to gain voting power the county’s tax levy would have to match that of Delta County. Commissioners abandoned the idea, as Delta County has historically levied about 3.3 mills.

The ballot proposal calls for Bay College to operate a facility within Dickinson County “providing, in accordance with the county’s contract requirements, vocational-technical programs, job skills training, and cultural and educational programs to assist in promoting economic development within the county.”

Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes attended Monday’s meeting and thanked the board for its resolution.

In August, Bay announced it had reached its highest enrollment in the past decade with more than 2,000 students enrolled for the fall semester. A key factor was the Michigan Reconnect Program, which provides an opportunity for adults to earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college.

Michigan residents aged 21 to 24 who are still interested in the Michigan Reconnect Program must apply for the scholarship by Dec. 31 at www.michigan.gov/reconnect.

Bay College’s Iron Mountain campus is at 2801 N. U.S. 2.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.