The Sault Ste. Marie city commission used its February 2 meeting to finalize preparations for a major winter event, approve long-range infrastructure planning, and address several fiscal and administrative matters ranging from public transportation fares to election deadlines.
City officials reported that preparations are complete for the 57th running of the I-500 snowmobile race, officially titled the GFL Environmental I-500.
Ball Construction recently placed nearly 4,000 hay bales around the four turns and infield of the track. Favorable weather has allowed for substantial ice buildup, with the track now sitting roughly one foot above pit road level. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 10:05 a.m., and spectators are encouraged to be in line by 8:30 a.m. to view the start.
The commission also accepted several donations from the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. A $10,000 contribution will boost the city’s 250th-anniversary fireworks budget from $20,000 to $30,000, while an additional $7,000 will fund lighting around the new bronze statues in the I-75 business roundabout. Officials noted that CVB funding comes from overnight stay assessments, not local tax dollars.
Commissioners discussion also included the city’s 2010 snowblower, described by staff as the workhorse of the fleet. Despite recent breakdowns and delays in obtaining international parts, administrators said the machine has not reached the end of its service life and will be refurbished rather than replaced. The plan also includes $500,000 over two years for a new Parks and Recreation building tied to the Cloverland development agreement.
Transportation matters included approval of a Dial-a-Ride fare increase. Fares for seniors, students and disabled riders will increase from $2 to $3, while the general public fare will rise from $4 to $6. The program’s 2026 budget is balanced at $453,605.
The commission authorized a $150,446 refund to the Michigan Department of Transportation after Salmon Runway and Orr Street road projects were completed under the original $824,000 bid. In addition, an agreement with Chippewa County was approved under which the county will pay the city $1,000 annually for juror parking lot maintenance and snow removal.
Administratively, commissioners unanimously denied a fee appeal related to a Freedom of Information Act request on 2025 hiring practices, citing a good-faith cost estimate and the labor involved in processing and redacting records. City staff members reported handling between 1,000 and 1,500 FOIA requests annually.
The commission also announced the 2026 city election schedule. The general election will be held Tuesday, November 3, with the mayor’s seat and three city commission seats up for election. The filing deadline is Tuesday, April 21, at 4 p.m.
