The state will pick up the tab for a study to determine if a busing program is needed in Mackinac County, commissioners learned Thursday, September 10. County commissioners expressed cautious optimism about the idea, saying a county-wide bus system could be highly beneficial for residents, but it will ultimately be up to the study to determine if such a plan is feasible.

A $10,000 match payment was initially required from the county to get the study, and the state has now agreed to pay that portion of the bill after county commissioners asked the state highway department for a grant.

Chair Dawn Nelson said during the meeting a county bus service would enable people to get to and from work, purchase groceries, and provide relief from high gas pump prices. The study has not been scheduled yet, and may take a considerable amount of time, commissioner Calvin "Bucky" McPhee said.

The county-wide study will encompass each township and will involve interviewing residents and township supervisors to see if they would use a bus service if one is available.

The idea of county-wide bus transportation was raised to the county board by Julie Waldron of the Mackinac Transportation Committee of the Department of Human Services in November 2008.

County Cafeteria Benefits

Plan Updated

County employees who opt not to take insurance benefits may receive $2,500 in lieu of coverage, but a new amendment to the insurance plan now stipulates that those who do so must have proof of insurance first. County commissioners unanimously approved this change, following a suggestion of the county auditors to review the benefits plan, which had remained unchanged since 1998.

The proof-of-insurance stipulation brings the county employee plan in line with Internal Revenue Service standards.

County Funding

Report Scrutinized

Treasurer Nora Massey presented her quarterly report of the county's funding types and amounts to the commission. Much of the county's money is invested in First National Bank, with nearly $2 million invested in certificates of deposit.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation can insure $250,000 per depositor at each bank. Commissioners worried about the remaining uninsured money in the First National Bank account. Mrs. Massey said she spoke with Jim North, President of First National Bank at St. Ignace, and was able to work out a plan to collateralize the uninsured money.

Government securities will be purchased in the amount of the leftover certificates of deposit, ensuring the money will be safe if the bank were to fail, Mrs. Massey said.

Accounts with other banks contain uninsured certificates of deposit, according to the report. Mrs. Massey will seek to collateralize them, as well. Collateralizing accounts can be expensive for banks, she said, so it may be difficult to convince others to follow First National's example.