Regular Session (Public Comment – S. Mikowski, 2/18/2025)

The Leelanau County Commission (BOC) meeting on February 18, 2025, addressed a significant issue regarding the DSC Contract for 2025, specifically related to broadband services. The project, costing $20,000,000, was imposed by a prior BOC and is funded by all Leelanau County taxpayers through ARPA Funds. Critics argue that the project benefits only a small percentage of county residents and could have been executed more efficiently and economically by the private sector. Concerns were raised about the project’s necessity, the rushed and possibly no-bid contract process, and the lack of thorough vetting of consultants and contractors. Additionally, the project’s completion is two years late, and it has incurred extra costs, raising questions about the competence and decision-making process of the elected officials involved.

Further scrutiny of the broadband project revealed several troubling aspects. It was not allowed to be discussed at the February 11, 2026, BOC Executive Commission Meeting, suggesting a lack of transparency and public involvement. The project does not benefit a significant majority of county taxpayers and residents, and there are allegations of behind-the-scenes decision-making by a self-appointed group, keeping other commissioners uninvolved. The use of the DTRF slush fund surplus to finance the project, which is not mandated by Michigan County Law MCL-46.11, has also been criticized. The overall handling of the project has led to accusations of incompetence and a lack of accountability among the elected officials.

In addition to the broadband project, the meeting highlighted two other critical issues that need to be addressed at the March 11, 2025, Executive Committee Meeting. The first is the public’s lack of access to county meetings, which are scheduled at times inconvenient for ordinary citizens, potentially limiting public participation. The second issue is the need for an apology resolution for the harm and damage caused by prior commissions to the Clerk and staff, as well as to taxpayers, due to a costly decision made on May 11, 2021. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving public trust and ensuring that future decisions are made with greater transparency and consideration for the public’s needs and rights.