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Baraga County finished fiscal year 2020 in the black.
At last night’s board of commissioners meeting, auditor Susan Sanders said that federal money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act helped the county finish the year with a surplus. The dark cloud on the horizon remains the county’s unfunded pension and retirement benefits liability, which remains at about $3.5 million.
Dr. Eileen Schweickert reported on an investigation she conducted of the tragic COVID-19 outbreak at the county’s Bayside Village nursing home last fall. She called the situation a “perfect storm,” caused by a combination of a new administration, the delay in getting results from COVID-19 testing which was typical for that time, and staff shortages caused by the virus that forced some employees into unfamiliar roles.
Schweikert said she’s convinced that there was no gross negligence involved, and that appropriate new procedures have been instituted to guard against future breakdowns.
The board agreed to install new recording equipment in the circuit courtroom. The new digital system will replace an outdated cassette recorder. It will cost $21,000 to put in, with an ongoing maintenance contract obligation. The board also accepted the resignation of Betsy Preston from the Baraga County Health and Human Services Board. They hope to appoint a replacement at next month’s meeting. Anyone interested in serving should contact County Clerk Wendy Goodreau.
