Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met January 20, 2026, chaired by Steve Yoder with all seven commissioners present. The board approved a large consent agenda, adopted a resolution supporting state legislation to curb foreclosure fraud, approved a vehicle leasing agreement for the Sheriff's Office, granted a temporary pay increase to an Account Clerk, and narrowed 2026 board goals to two priorities: software upgrades and strategic planning. Much of the meeting's discussion centered on the ongoing personnel situation involving the Finance Director.
Public Comments
During the one-minute general comment period, the following individuals spoke: Steve Tostige, Donald Spinniken, Susie Quinlan, Jim White, Peggy Zemanek, Tim McCaulley, Kim Rosanski, Susan Davenport, Renee Wyler, and Jean Bahle. Ralph Renzo spoke under the three-minute agenda-specific comment period. A second, five-minute public comment period later in the meeting included Rob Franzo, Jim Koberstead, Jim White, Renee Wyler, Patty Leash, and Steve Mikowski. The minutes do not summarize the content of these comments; written comments were submitted and are available via the county's agenda link. Separately, Commissioner Bunek noted he had seen a protest with signs from "Leelanau Indivisible" that he characterized as vulgar and unnecessary for children in Suttons Bay to see.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Campbell noted that all commissioners received an email from the Chairman of the Parks Commission that he said "deserves some attention," stating he should have raised it as a Tier 2 goal. No board action was taken on this item.
Infrastructure Projects
The board approved, as part of the consent agenda, the 3rd Amendment to the Tower Lease Agreement with AT&T at the Central Tower site (Emergency Management), authorizing Chairman Yoder to sign once approved as to form by legal counsel (Motion #018-01202026, adopted 7-0).
Other Business
Administrator Dyer reported that Finance Director Hartesvelt was placed on paid administrative leave; discussions with her about the Finance Department's staffing/format were ongoing and unresolved. Commissioner Wessell criticized the release of personnel information as inappropriate and a potential legal risk. The board adopted PA 152 health insurance exemption Resolution #2026-002, approved the 2026 BCBS renewal, appointed Dr. Anna Tart as Deputy Medical Examiner, and made citizen appointments (Mickey Eder to MDHHS; Deb Kuhn to Soil Erosion Board of Appeals; Angeline Ninotti to BLDHD Board of Appeals). The board adopted Resolution #2026-001 supporting HB 5152 and HB 5153 (foreclosure fraud protections), passing 6-1 with Campbell opposed. Commissioners approved an employee recognition program (certificates and quarterly newsletter, with the bi-annual peer-nominated award item removed by amendment), 6-1 with Bunek opposed. The board approved a Manpower staffing agreement (7-0) and, after debate over purchasing versus leasing, approved leasing "up to four" patrol vehicles plus one Toyota Tacoma through Enterprise Fleet Leasing/Sourcewell, 5-2 (Bunek and Campbell opposed). Goals discussion narrowed priorities to Software Upgrades and Strategic Planning (7-0).
Financial Summary
Consent agenda items included acceptance of an anonymous $5,000.00 donation to the Sheriff's Office, a $520.00 SHRM CAP grant reimbursement, and a printer/copier purchase not to exceed $5,319.00 from the Duplicating Machine Fund. PA 152 medical benefit contribution limits for 2026 were set at $7,942.09 (single) and $16,609.38 (individual-plus-spouse/dependent). The Account Clerk's temporary wage was increased to $30.70/hour for at least 60 days, described as budget-neutral. Vehicle lease discussion referenced a budget adjustment assuming use of $258,000.00 in accumulated fund balance, potentially including up to $250,000.00 from an anticipated $225,000.00 surplus; Dyer cited a $89,000.00 opportunity cost of leaving $300,000.00 uninvested at 5%. The board approved Fund Transfer #26-001, Claims and Accounts totaling $359,313.05, and Post Audit Claims and Accounts totaling $2,953,960.23 (all 7-0).
Action Items
- Administrator Dyer to continue confidential discussions with Finance Director Hartesvelt regarding department staffing/format, with resolution expected "in the next couple of days."
- HR Manager Jen Kain arranging an interview next week for the vacant Account Clerk position; Elizabeth Gray and Administrator Dyer to participate.
- Administrator Dyer to send the Sourcewell/Enterprise lease contract to legal counsel for final approval before execution.
- Chairman Yoder to pursue an RFP for a Strategic Plan consultant and report back, potentially a 6-8 month project.
- Chairman Yoder to report back in February on arranging a Commissioner workshop.
- Board to determine whether/when to schedule review of the Rehmann financial report (raised by Commissioner Wessell; not formally adopted as a goal).