Organizational Session (Public Comment – S. Mikowski, 1/7/2025)

**Executive Summary**

**Overview of the Meeting**
The document outlines the organizational meeting of the Leelanau County Commission held on January 7, 2025. It highlights the initial comments made by the commissioners as they commenced their public service, emphasizing the importance of accountability and oversight in budget spending. The remarks question the transparency of the closed session that preceded the meeting and express expectations for improved governance from the newly elected officials.

**Accountability and Oversight**
The comments stress that the commissioners are tasked with the critical role of ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely. The new commission is reminded to be diligent in their fiscal responsibilities and to prioritize the interests of the public. In doing so, they must demonstrate their commitment to making sound financial decisions, as they are under scrutiny from the citizens they serve.

**Spending Categories**
In addressing governmental spending, the document cites Milton Friedman’s framework of four ways to spend money as a lens for understanding accountability issues in public finance. It notes that government spending often involves using resources that do not belong to the officials making the decisions (i.e., spending someone else’s money on someone else), which can lead to a lack of accountability and responsibility in financial matters. The document mentions past inefficiencies, particularly highlighting the recent development of the new Leelanau County Jail and Courthouse as a case of poor fiscal management.

**Conclusion**
The overall sentiment of the document encourages the new commissioners to embrace their role with seriousness and integrity, pushing for transparent governance and effective oversight of fiscal matters. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and involved, reinforcing the need for the commission to prioritize taxpayer interests throughout their tenure.

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