Bay College’s Iron Mountain Campus

IRON MOUNTAIN — Bay College is pleased with the passage of the Dickinson County millage renewal, ensuring uninterrupted funding assistance for the Bay College Iron Mountain Campus until 2046.

The 0.9987-mill property tax equates to slightly less than $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value, which amounts to approximately $0.35 per day. Had the millage renewal failed, Bay College would have had to reevaluate its operations for the Iron Mountain Campus, likely resulting in cuts to programs and services, as well as increases in tuition for Dickinson County students.

“The cost is minimal — just 35 cents per day for a $125,000 home — but the return is immeasurable,” said Elrico L. Hurley in an editorial published by The Iron Mountain Daily News. “Without this renewal, tuition rates and services for local students could increase, and the quality of education and workforce development we’ve come to depend on could be at risk.”

Since 1977, more than 8,300 students have taken classes at the Iron Mountain campus, with nearly 1,900 graduates–helping to anchor educational opportunities locally.

The millage renewal supports continued affordable education and the empowerment of local students, while fueling regional growth, sustainable services, and economic vitality in the county for the next two decades.

“We are incredibly grateful to the residents of Dickinson County for their unwavering support of Bay College and our Iron Mountain Campus. This millage renewal is more than just an investment in education – it is a vote of confidence in our students, our workforce, and the future of the region,” said Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes. “Because of our community’s belief in access and opportunity, we can continue to deliver high-quality, affordable education and drive economic growth in the U.P. for years to come.”