Mackinac County has a taxable value of $887,734,589 for 2008, according to the apportionment report presented by Equalization Director Jim Fenlon and approved by county commissioners at their Thursday, October 23 meeting.

The taxable value is up $3,806,282 from 2007, which was $849,671,765.

In 2008, Mackinac Island had the highest taxable value in the county at $192,500,327, according to the report, followed by Clark Township with $185,595,395, and the City of St. Ignace with $87,159,062.

In other business, a proposal for public transportation in the county was brought before commissioners. Julie Waldron, a member of the Mackinac Transportation Committee of the Department of Human Services, reported the group is seeking a grant for a feasibility study and the development of a master plan for public transportation in the county. If approved, the grant would be awarded in October 2009. The committee is seeking between $25,000 and $30,000. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians also is seeking a federal grant for the same amount. The project is estimated to cost about $50,000, she said.

The committee sought county approval to be the pass-through agency if the grant is awarded, although commissioners took no action on the matter.

Commissioner Calvin McPhee was appointed to a one-year term on the Upper Peninsula 9-1-1 Authoritative Policy Board. The organization was organized to allow the U.P. to speak as one voice on legislative issues and seek state and federal grants. The county joined the newly formed board in September.

Commissioners signed two resolutions during the meeting. They recognized Judge Charles Stark, who is retiring. He has served as 11th Circuit Court judge for the last five years.

Commissioners also recognized the late Edward McNamara of St. Ignace, who was the Friend of the Court for 42 years. He also was prosecutor and assistant prosecutor. Mr. McNamara died at the age of 92 October 11.

Commissioners have moved their regular meetings back to the third floor court room in the courthouse. The room offers more space. For the last four years, they have been meeting in the commissioners' room in the annex. Commissioners will continue to meet in the annex for Committee of the Whole meetings.

Commissioners set an all-day work session as the Committee of the Whole to review the county's 2008 finances Wednesday, November 12. The commission's next regular meeting is Thursday, November 13, at 6 p.m. 2008 Taxable Value City of Mackinac Island $192,500,327 Clark Township $185,595,395 City of St. Ignace $87,159,062 Moran Township $85,418,044 Garfield Township $82,456,089 Portage Township $72,447,069 Newton Township $44,179,483 Brevort Township $30,123,974 St. Ignace Township $29,492,929 Marquette Township $27,545,694 Bois Blanc Township $26,466,237 Hudson Township $16,488,447 Hendricks Township $7,861,839