Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met on September 8, 2026, with Commissioner William Bunek absent (with prior notice). The Board approved the amended agenda 6-0, heard budget presentations from the Prosecutor's Office and the Family Coordinating Council (which is being dissolved), reached consensus on an additional $50,000 MERS payment, and discussed a Facilities Director job description and a proposed multi-year wage adjustment for Elected Officials.
Public Comments
No individuals spoke during either the 1-minute general topics comment period, the 3-minute agenda-specific comment period, or the 5-minute public comment period at the end of the meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
No infrastructure projects such as marina, cell tower, water, or sewer matters were discussed in this meeting.
Other Business
County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell presented and explained his proposed budget, with Finance Director Rio Risbridger present to assist with Commissioner questions. Sharon Vreeland, Coordinator of the Leelanau County Family Coordinating Council, announced she has moved to Catholic Human Services; the Council's budget request will change from $15,000.00 to $0.00, and the Council will be dissolved. The Board thanked both Hubbell and Vreeland for their service.
Commissioner Robbins added an item on the Facilities Director job description, distributing Maintenance Department job descriptions for discussion. Chairman Yoder stated there was consensus to task Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher with researching the Board's options regarding the job description.
Financial Summary
Chairman Yoder announced consensus to add $50,000.00 to the current MERS additional payment, increasing that budget line to $300,000.00 (Account #101.830.872.719.000). The Family Coordinating Council account #101.325.153.965.000 will change from $15,000.00 to $0.00.
Commissioner Robbins proposed a wage adjustment for Elected Officials (excluding the Drain Commissioner), aiming to set their wages at least 10-12% above their Chief Deputy or the Undersheriff, phased in over two to three years. The proposed total cost is just under $75,000.00. Robbins noted the Facilities Director position is proposed at over $99,000.00 for 2027, which prompted his review. Chief Deputy Jennifer Zywicki prepared the supporting handout. Commissioners Allgaier and Wessell expressed support for the proposal and the phase-in approach. No vote was taken; Chairman Yoder requested that Administration and Finance return with detailed figures for the proposed budget.
Action Items
- Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher to research Board options regarding the Facilities Director job description.
- Finance Director Rio Risbridger to prepare a phase-in schedule/figures for the proposed Elected Officials wage adjustment, for the Board's proposed budget.
- Family Coordinating Council account to be adjusted to $0.00 and the Council formally dissolved.