IRON MOUNTAIN — Prayer will take place before the start of Dickinson County Board meetings under a policy commissioners adopted Monday.

While it’s clear that any prayer will be before the opening gavel, it remains to be seen how the practice will proceed.

Attorney Steven Tinti of Norway, serving as the county’s civil counsel, recommended in a written opinion that the county avoid the use of prayer at the start of a meeting, as it would put commissioners “in a precarious legal position.”

If allowing prayer prior to the start of the meeting, he offered some parameters, including:

— A two-minute limit.

— The speaker should not be a member of the county board and any individual on a first-come basis will be allowed to offer a prayer, as no form of prayer can be lawfully restricted.

— There should be no direction or requirement for the public to participate.

— The content of a prayer should not single out dissidents for criticism.

“Once the opportunity for prayer is authorized, government has minuscule control over what is presented,” Tinti wrote. “This is precisely why it may be prudent to not change the current method of county board operations on the matter.”

After reviewing the recommendation, commissioners voted unanimously to approve prayer before the opening of meetings, though Commissioner Joe Stevens emphasized that Tinti’s guidelines should be observed.

“I think prayer is great, but we have to follow these rules,” he said. “We could get this county and board in trouble.”

Board Chairman Dan Harrington seemed less concerned by the attorney’s input but agreed that prayer should take place only before a meeting begins.

The pledge of allegiance is recited as the first order of business at county board meetings after the session is called to order.

In other action Monday, the county board:

— Tabled a request from District Court Judge Julie LaCost to fill a vacant civil clerk position to allow time for a financial review. The request is expected to be considered again at the board’s next regular meeting Feb. 10. It was rejected by the previous county board on Dec. 27 and four new board members have been seated since. LaCost addressed commissioners Monday, explaining the office’s staffing and concluding, “We need that (position) back, I’m begging you.”

Also speaking were Michelle Polzien, magistrate/court administrator, and Sue Ellis, who left the civil clerk position to take on a new role in probate court. Polzien said the unfilled vacancy is leading to stress and burnout among court employees. Ellis warned that the processing of civil cases needs consistent staffing. “Too many hands in the basket is going to make that basket fall apart,” she said.

— Received an annual report from Mine Inspector Michael Ghere, who said inspections in 2024 showed no progress made regarding issues identified the previous year. “The fencing repairs I did myself were once again destroyed by people entering the mine areas,” Ghere wrote. The issues mainly involve abandoned mines in Iron Mountain and Norway.

— Designated Tinti as civil counsel, while noting Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Richards should be a primary resource for legal consultation. An estimate of $2,000 annually was referenced regarding Tinti’s anticipated services.

— Approved a policy stating agenda items for regular county board meetings be submitted to the controller’s office a week in advance of the scheduled meeting.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.