MARQUETTE -- The Marquette County Board of Commissioners has voted to hire a lobbyist to represent their interests in Lansing. This move is in response to the controversial mining severance tax proposed by Representative Matt Huuki.
Some board members fear changing the tax formula could cost local government millions of dollars.
At Wednesday night's meeting, some board members expressed their lack of faith in state Senator Tom Casperson and Representative Matt Huuki to accurately represent the U.P.
"The mining companies have people down there, they have lobbyists there working towards their favor," said County Board Chair, Deborah Pellow. "Why wouldn't we want someone down there that's working towards our favor? And if that means we have to pay someone to do that, then that's what we should be doing."
The board passed a motion to hire the lobbying firm by a vote of 4 to 3. The contract outlines a cost of $3,000 per month.
The board is exploring options with other townships and school officials to help with the cost.
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