Nearly 120 year old clock tower in need of repair

IRON MOUNTAIN — Voters in Dickinson County will decide tomorrow on a millage increase request for what many consider to be the focal point of the Dickinson County Courthouse.

The clock tower that has stood over the courthouse since it was built in 1896 is in need of repair. The brick stacks up almost 90 feet high. After a thorough examination, structural engineers have identified several cracks and other problems that pull the tower away from the building. They have recommended that work should be done on the tower during this construction season.

“At this time the clock tower has moved about two inches,” said Controller Administrator Sonya Pugh, “it is shifting and needs to be re–anchored to the main part of the building. We’re hoping we can repair and restore the clock tower so that we don’t end up having bricks start coming off and things like that.”

The estimated cost for repair is around $125,000 which would cost the average home owner between five and ten dollars per month. The proposal would increase millage rates for Dickinson County only, not townships or the intermediate school district.