3/10/2026 - Leelanau County | Executive Board Meeting Summary

Summary

The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners conducted an executive session on March 10, 2026. Key decisions involved the appointment of an acting Drain Commissioner following the resignation of Tim O’Non, updates on financial software and department staffing issues, and a series of motions related to grants and training for the Sheriff's office. Discussions highlighted the need for affordable housing and emphasized support for community members.

Public Comments

- **Kim Rozanski and Jim White** expressed concerns regarding community issues. - **Deb Koon** addressed agenda-specific topics for three minutes. Detailed comments can be found in written form via the provided links.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Commissioner Bunek questioned whether the Leelanau County Land Bank can rescind property taxes without a contract related to affordable housing initiatives. Commissioner Allgaier echoed the community's need for housing, expressing the difficulties posed by existing legal frameworks and financial limitations.

Parks and Recreation Matters

- An upcoming **Public Hearing on March 17, 2026**, regarding the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Grant for an accessible playground at Myles Kimmerly County Park was scheduled. - A motion was made to approve a grant application for the playground replacement and to donate benches at Veronica Valley County Park. Both motions were passed unanimously.

Infrastructure Projects

Administrator Dyer reported expenses for an emergency IT-related server purchase of **$20,000** and discussed the potential implications of a proposal to replace accounting software.

Other Business

In additional agenda items, various motions regarding emergency management grants, clerk's office staffing overlaps, and early voting agreements were passed to be sent to the regular session on March 17, 2026. A Senior Service Millage renewal set for ballot in August 2026 was also approved.

Financial Summary

- Approval of claims and accounts totaling **$101,484.31** and post-audit claims of **$2,606,879.85**. - Allocation of a **$20,000** emergency purchase related to server replacements in the IT Department. - Several motions for 2% allocations focused on improvements for county facilities, totaling various amounts which were passed.

Action Items

- Actions regarding the appointment of a new Drain Commissioner will be reviewed with legal counsel, alongside public communication about the process. - The Board will consider recommendations for staff and public engagement concerning affordable housing initiatives. - A public hearing scheduled for March 17, 2026, to discuss the MNRTF Grant and several grant applications are to be prepared and presented for approval.