Marinette County approves funds to support City of Marinette Airboat after reconsideration

Previous month the Marinette County Board of supervisors approved contributing $43,900 to the Town of Marinette toward the obtain of a new 24 ft look for and rescue airboat with the caveat that the county be able to use the airboat. However, at yesterday’s County Board conference a movement was brought forth by Supervisor Allen to rethink action taken by the County board to transfer the $43,900 to the Town of Marinette for purchase of the Airboat. Due to the fact the Metropolis of Marinette has recently allocated $500 per employee for COVID-19 vaccinations working with ARPA resources when they could have employed their ARPA funds toward the funding of the airboat alternatively of inquiring the County for funding. County Administrator John Lefebvre suggests, “the City of Marinette acquired $1.1 million in ARPA funding.”

Supervisor Ken Keller suggests, “there is a reason why the city is searching for participation in the obtaining of the airboat.”

Right after a lengthy discussion, the board voted, and it came in at 14 in favor of the airboat to 13 not in favor.  The anticipated supply date of the airboat is mid-January.