Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met September 17, 2024, chaired by Ty Wessell, with all present commissioners (O’Rourke, Rexroat, Wessell, Ross, Allgaier, Lautner) voting on a ten-item consent agenda covering sheriff's office agreements, budget amendments, grant acceptance, and policy updates. The most contentious item was a 6(5-1) vote raising the Chief Deputy Treasurer and Chief Deputy Register of Deeds salaries to $69,283.85 each, with Commissioner Lautner dissenting and raising concerns about equity and prior raises. The board also approved a one-year audit services extension, a joint meeting with Grand Traverse County on airport terminal expansion, and introduced the FY2025 budget process.
Public Comments
No individuals spoke during the first public comment period (agenda-specific). During the second public comment period (any topic), Steve Mikowski spoke; no details of his remarks were recorded in the minutes. Written comments were submitted and are available via the county's online handout link, but their content was not summarized in the minutes.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Ross reiterated reference to a Parks survey, calling parks "a huge asset" and encouraging community input to help guide improvements and budget use. No deadline was specified, and no board action was taken on this item.
Infrastructure Projects
Administrator Richard I. Lewis updated the board on the Leelanau Township Communication Tower application, noting he received a memorandum from the Township Planner regarding outstanding issues, and commented on Progressive AE's response to the Township's questions. He also reported on three major bids in progress: the Dam Boardwalk project, electrical panels, and a facade project/repair, with work expected to resume in October.
Other Business
- The board set a public hearing for termination of the West Bay/West Shore Brownfield Plan for October 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
- A one-year extension of the Spinniken Lawn & Irrigation contract was approved at $520.00 per mow, with optional spring clean-up at $84.00/hour and dethatching at $1,500.00 (6-0).
- The MIDC/MACC contract with Jarboe and Pfeil was approved (6-0).
- The County Administrator job description and salary range ($110,000–$140,000) were approved, authorizing further work with Mr. Janik on a search contract extension (6-0).
- A waiver of conflict for Veterans Services representation was authorized for Interim Administrator Lewis to sign (6-0).
- A joint special meeting with Grand Traverse County was approved for October 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. regarding NRAA terminal expansion and bonding (6-0); no funding request from Leelanau County is expected.
Financial Summary
- MIDC Grant Acceptance FY2025: total authorized budget of $369,376.60, with $316,130.38 from state grant and $53,246.22 local share.
- Contract with Rehmann for Chart of Accounts Plan: $30,000.00, funded from contingency.
- Audit services with Rehmann Robson extended for one year at $84,000.00 total ($69,000.00 county audit, $15,000.00 Road Commission audit); approved 5-1 (Rexroat dissenting).
- Chief Deputy Treasurer and Chief Deputy Register of Deeds salaries raised to $69,283.85 each, approved 5-1 (Lautner dissenting).
- Claims and accounts approved: $338,683.85 (6-0).
- Post audit claims and accounts approved: $7,671,535.22 (6-0).
- FY2024 L-4029 tax rate request approved with millages: Road .5000, Senior Services .3200, Early Childhood .2000, to be levied December 1.
Action Items
- Commissioners were asked to notify the Administrator if unable to attend upcoming FY2025 budget meetings, with the first session scheduled for the following week.
- Commissioner Lautner raised concerns that further wage equity reviews may be needed for all Chief Deputies (Sheriff, Prosecutor, Treasurer, Clerk, Register of Deeds), suggesting this could recur in future meetings; no formal board action was taken on this proposal.
- Commissioner Allgaier noted the need for a future wage study across county positions, citing underpayment concerns, though no timeline or formal motion was presented.