Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met August 18, 2026, in Suttons Bay with all seven commissioners present. The Board approved a full consent agenda covering Sheriff's Office fee changes, grant applications, facilities purchases, a Parks & Recreation trail grant, and policy updates. Extended discussion addressed audit firm performance and a proposed committee structure, with no consensus reached on the latter. Chairman Yoder read a statement urging the Board and public to reduce division and refocus on county business.
Public Comments
Under the 1-Minute Topic of General County Concern, Alex Gianturco, Lois Bahle, Carrie Eder, Miriam Reinstra, and Becky Beauchamp spoke; no one addressed agenda-specific items in the first round. Later in the meeting, Michael Awrey, Steve Mikowski, Micki Eder, Josh Barnum, Sam Getsinger, Bill Wiesner, and Gary Kosette spoke. Written comments from both sessions were submitted and posted online, but their contents are not detailed in the minutes. County Treasurer John A. Gallagher III also submitted written feedback regarding the county audit, referenced during the audit discussion.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Commissioner Allgaier thanked the audience for supporting county housing initiatives. Commissioner Campbell thanked Cypher and representatives of "the Poor Barn" for progress on their project, noting it will require more than a lease and will involve a policy change; he expressed support for continuing to assist them, though no formal Board action was taken.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Via consent agenda, the Board approved (#215) a project agreement and resolution with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for a fully accessible trail around the lower pond at Veronica Valley County Park. The Board also approved (#216) repainting, striping, and tennis court conversion at Myles Kimmerly Park, not to exceed $15,000, funded from the Parks & Recreation Capital Outlay account. Commissioner Campbell announced a fishing-day celebration at Veronica Valley Park.
Other Business
The Board approved Sheriff's Office fee and grant items, facility purchases, credit card authorizations for Undersheriff James Kiessel and Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher, and policy updates (#1.04 FOIA, #7.11 ACH). Extended discussion followed on audit firm feedback (Commissioners Allgaier, Wessell, Campbell, Robbins, Bunek, Walter, and Chairman Yoder), with the Board favoring continued communication with the current firm rather than switching; Yoder will convene a meeting with Administration, Treasurer, and Finance to review the contract. A proposed Personnel/Finance/Policy committee structure (raised by Commissioner Wessell) was discussed at length but lacked Board consensus; Cypher will schedule a Committee of the Whole workshop after 2027 budget adoption.
Financial Summary
The Board approved Claims and Accounts of $654,653.33 and Post Audit Claims and Accounts of $2,765,436.76. Fund Transfer #26-004 and Budget Amendment #26-003 were approved. Other approved expenditures: restroom partitions ($3,480 from Repairs and Maintenance), a Summit Fire panel replacement invoice ($7,200), a 36-month Cintas uniform agreement (not to exceed $4,108/year), and a credit card for Undersheriff Kiessel with a $4,500 limit. Livescan fingerprint fees will rise to $63/$65 effective October 1, 2026. The 2027 budget books are being printed for the August 21 budget work session.
Action Items
- First 2027 Budget Work Session scheduled for Friday, August 21, 2026.
- Cypher to distribute a budget memo and confirm MMRMA insurance status (coverage period September 1, 2026–August 31, 2027).
- Board to appoint members to the M-22 Byway Committee in the future.
- Yoder to schedule a meeting with Administration, Treasurer, and Finance Director Risbridger to review the audit firm's contract terms.
- Cypher to schedule a Committee of the Whole workshop after the 2027 budget is adopted, per Campbell's request to wait for a Strategic Plan.