Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met May 20, 2025, with Commissioner Ty Wessell absent. The Board approved prior minutes, an amended agenda, a large consent agenda of grants and personnel updates, and several action items including a failed tax-cut proposal, an approved millage rate, remonumentation agreements, and two 2% allocation grants. Claims and accounts of $366,740.91 and post audit claims of $3,073,948.63 were approved.
Public Comments
Agenda-specific public comment included Casey Petz, Keith Ashley, Taylor Moore, Kathy Dawkins, and Celeste Crouch, though the minutes do not detail their specific remarks. During general public comment, Christine Dyger, Renee Wyler, Keith Ashley, Kathy Dawkins, Bill Wiesner, Casey Paetz, Kelley Gallup, and Josh Bareman spoke; no specific concerns or board responses were recorded in the minutes.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Commissioner Robbins moved approval of a 2% allocation of $12,000 (with 50% match) for Home Sweet Home Nonprofit Housing Corporation to assist in home purchases, seconded by Campbell. Commissioner Bunek objected, questioning the use of 2% funds for non-profits over government agencies. After a motion to call the question (carried 5-1, Bunek opposed), the allocation passed 5-1, with Bunek opposed.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved purchase of fish from Laggis Fish Farms, not to exceed $8,566, to restock ponds at Veronica Valley County Park for Kids Fishing Day (June 22), funded from account #101.850.756.727.000. A 2% allocation of $18,006 was approved for Parks and Recreation Commission disc golf updates and a beginner/putter course at Myles Kimmerly Park. Commissioner Campbell reported volunteers planted trees at Veronica Valley and announced plans for a memorial park bench/table program and a “Friends of the Parks” group.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved a Law Enforcement Well Monitoring Project budget, authorizing funding not to exceed $7,000.08 from account #470.000.000.775.000, moved by Campbell and seconded by Robbins (carried 6-0). Discussion also occurred regarding a Point Broadband contract expenditure from the Delinquent Tax Revolving (DTR) Fund; Commissioner Campbell requested a June agenda item to reaffirm DTR policy as a one-time exception, which Administrator Dyer agreed to add.
Other Business
The Board discussed a draft 2% Policy at length, with disagreements between Commissioners Bunek, Campbell, Allgaier, Robbins, and Walter over the County’s role as “gatekeeper” for Grand Traverse Band 2% funds. An amendment to exclude policy sections #12 and #13 failed 3-3. The original policy motion by Bunek, seconded by Robbins, carried 5-1 (Campbell opposed). Commissioner Robbins proposed exploring BS&A financial software; Commissioner Campbell called for earlier Board involvement in the FY26 budget process, with Administrator Dyer planning to present budget proposals in June.
Financial Summary
- 13th Circuit Court Community Corrections Grant Application approved for $315,200 (Resolution #2025-007).
- CVSF FY26 Grant Application approved for $52,300.
- 2% allocations approved: Sheriff’s Office $20,981.13; Parks and Recreation $18,006.00; Probate and Family $18,000.00; 13th Judicial Circuit Court $5,000.00; Inland Seas Education Association $15,000.00 (5-1, Bunek opposed); Home Sweet Home Nonprofit Housing $12,000.00 (5-1, Bunek opposed).
- Remonumentation Grant approved for $33,383.00 (5-1, Bunek opposed).
- FY2025 Fund Transfer #25-003 and Amendments #25-006 and #25-007 approved (6-0).
- Claims and accounts approved: $366,740.91; Post audit claims and accounts approved: $3,073,948.63.
- A $81,000 state grant for a solid waste study (via Grand Traverse County) was confirmed by Administrator Dyer.
Action Items
- Commissioner Campbell requested a June agenda item to reaffirm the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund policy regarding the Point Broadband contract expenditure.
- Administrator Dyer to present FY26 budget proposals in June; Commissioners may schedule individual meetings with him via Executive Assistant Lauren Cypher.
- Board to consider exploring BS&A financial software, per Commissioner Robbins’ suggestion, with Commissioner Allgaier concurring.
- Ongoing tension noted between Commissioner Bunek and other Commissioners regarding remonumentation contract review by Corporate Counsel and use of 2% funds for non-profit housing and education organizations versus government agencies.