Budget Work Session (Minutes)

**Executive Summary**

**Meeting Overview**
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on October 1, 2024, at the Government Center in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ty Wessell, with a roll call confirming the presence of six commissioners. The agenda for the meeting was approved unanimously, and public comment was solicited but yielded no substantial input from attendees beyond Bill Wiesner’s remarks.

**Discussion and Action Items**
Interim Administrator Richard Lewis presented various action items, including the upcoming attendance of the Suttons Bay Downtown Development Authority regarding tax capture requests. The budget for 2025 was reviewed, focusing on capital improvements, including infrastructure needs and an update on the needs assessment for the Traverse Area District Library’s funding request for a talking library. The board discussed and reached consensus on multiple budgetary decisions, including moving certain projects further out in the budget cycle and pursuing a replacement for an older mower used at Veronica Valley.

**Financial Review**
Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt provided an overview of the 2025 General Fund revenues and expenditures, clarifying the rationale behind revenue projections for the upcoming budget year. She also elaborated on transfers from the General Fund to special funds, along with resources available from the Michigan Opioid Settlement Funds. Discussion included future plans for capital improvement and personnel considerations, specifically relating to the Senior Services Director’s starting wage.

**Next Steps**
The next budget work session is scheduled for October 8, 2024, where additional discussions regarding the capital improvement plan and other budgetary items will take place. Requests for specific contracts, salary discussions, and potential uses for opioid settlement funds will also be addressed to ensure proper allocation and transparency in the budgeting process.
Video of the meeting
Michigan Opioid Settlement Funds Toolkit