LANSING – For two counties, the motto “all for one and one for all” doesn’t apply to political advocacy.

Of Michigan’s 83 counties, only Mason and Iosco aren’t members of the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC).

When Mason County’s revenue sharing was cut four years ago, it re-evaluated its budget.

“We decided that was a place we could cut our budget that would have the least impact on the residents,” said Mason County Administrator Fabian Knizacky.

By dropping membership with MAC, the county saved $10,500 per year in dues, Knizacky said. In addition, county officials saved costs of traveling to conferences and other expenses.

When part of MAC, Iosco County paid $8,810 annually in dues.

MAC is an advocacy group that provides lobbying, workshops and programs to members. Dues are based on population and property values, which range from Baraga County’s $3,522 to Oakland County’s $72,811.

Even without the two counties, MAC still considers itself 83 counties strong.

“When our lobbyists go in, they aren’t working for a certain county,” said Karen Currie, communications consultant for MAC. “We don’t work on a county-by-county basis.”

Shiawassee County left the association briefly, but rejoined in 2006. Membership retention is usually very strong, Currie said.

Knizacky said Mason county officials meet with state legislators to share points of view on issues, making MAC’s lobbying unneeded for the county.

The county still belongs to the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and other statewide organizations.

Currie said both Mason and Iosco counties are considering rejoining the association, but haven’t acted yet.