Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met November 18, 2025, approving prior meeting minutes, the FY2026 budget rules, and the FY2026 General Appropriations Act Resolution #25-018 (7-0), which sets a levy of 4.258 mills. The Board also approved a large consent agenda covering IT, recycling, insurance, and administrative contracts, appointed Kathy Dawkins to the Parks & Recreation Commission, approved a cooling tower/chiller replacement contract for the courthouse, adopted an Artificial Intelligence Policy, and waived attorney conflict rules to allow joint legal representation with Grand Traverse County on a regional medical examiner's office.
Public Comments
During agenda-specific public comment, David Kiessel, Larry Mawby (speaking on behalf of Peninsula Housing), Frank Clements, Lois Bahle, and Dana Getsinger spoke; written comments were also submitted and are on file. During the Public Budget Hearing, Steve Mikowski and Bill Wiesner commented. Later in the meeting, Jim White, Steve Mikowski, Micky Leader, and Bill Wiesner spoke again, with written comments submitted. Commissioner Wessell offered to meet with Jim White and County Treasurer John Gallagher III to address White's questions.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Housing North Executive Director Yarrow Brown gave a PowerPoint update and answered Commissioner questions; the Board thanked Brown. Larry Mawby spoke during public comment on behalf of Peninsula Housing, though no board action was taken on this topic.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board voted 6-1 (Bunek opposed) to appoint Kathy Dawkins to the Parks & Recreation Commission for a partial term ending December 31, 2025, and a full three-year term through December 31, 2028.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board voted 7-0 to accept Spicer Group's bid for engineering services to replace the courthouse cooling tower/chiller system, not to exceed $36,800.00, with funds transferred from Fund #516 (DTR) to Fund #470 (Capital Projects).
Other Business
Consent agenda items (approved together) included WiFi data speed increase, AT&T copper-to-internet line replacement, tire recycling amendment with ERG ($22,000 cap), 2026 mattress recycling agreement with BARC, MIDC grant acceptance, Jarboe & Pfeil indigent defense contract, MGT cost allocation renewal, Harris chart of accounts conversion, Point Broadband contract closeout, uniform/gun allowance policy, ACA contract with Rehmann, MAC dues, MMRMA 2026 renewal, a bulletin board installation, and acceptance of a donated Bingham Bridge portrait. The Board also approved (7-0) a request for staff to compare elected official/deputy salaries against five+ similar counties, with Commissioner Robbins requesting Grand Traverse County be added; Administrator Dyer agreed. The Board approved (6-1, Robbins abstaining) mileage/per diem reimbursement to Commissioner Robbins ($1,136.86). The SESC fee schedule was adopted 5-2 (Bunek, Campbell opposed). The AI Policy #3.07 passed 6-1 (Campbell opposed). The attorney conflict waiver for the regional medical examiner's office passed 6-1 (Campbell opposed).
Financial Summary
MIDC Grant: $421,123.76 total ($368,032.63 state, $53,091.00 county). Jarboe & Pfeil contract: $60,000.00. MGT contract: not to exceed $7,500 (2025), $7,750 (2026), $8,000 (2027), plus optional years up to $8,000. Harris conversion: $1,600.00 from contingency. MAC dues: $12,000.00. Cooling tower project: $36,800.00. Budget Amendment #25-014 approved 7-0. Claims and Accounts approved 7-0: $460,031.67. Post Audit Claims and Accounts approved 7-0: $16,677,467.97. Millage levy set at 4.258 mills (3.2520 operational, .4915 roads, .3145 senior services, .2000 early childhood).
Action Items
Staff to prepare a salary comparison report (including Grand Traverse County) for the December 9, 2025 or January 13, 2026 Executive meeting, with Board action expected the following regular meeting; raises, if approved, take effect January 1, 2026. Audit RFP vendor interviews scheduled for a Special Session Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.; Commissioners Wessell and Campbell to submit questions to Administrator Dyer in advance. Commissioner Wessell to meet with Jim White and Treasurer Gallagher regarding White's questions. Finance Director Hartesvelt to adjust an invoice for the Materials Management Plan grant reimbursement.