Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held its January 6, 2026 organizational session, electing a new Vice-Chairman, amending the 2026 Rules of Order and Procedure, adopting the 2026 meeting schedule, and confirming committee and board appointments. Commissioners also outlined individual goals for 2026, with the Leelanau County Jail cited by multiple members as a priority. Tension arose over the removal of a scheduled health care cost presentation from the agenda.
Public Comments
Steve Gilbreath, Bill Wiesner, and Steve Mikowski spoke during the first public comment period; Jim White, Steve Mikowski, Bill Wiesner, and John Gallagher III spoke during the second. Written comments and handouts were submitted and made available via a linked document, but their contents were not detailed in the minutes. Commissioner Allgaier later thanked the County Treasurer for comments on drainage districts, and Commissioner Wessell noted he had scheduled a meeting with citizen Jim White regarding drainage issues.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Housing was listed as a 2026 goal by Commissioner Wessell and Commissioner Allgaier. No specific proposals, funding, or votes were discussed.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioners Campbell and Walter were appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for 2026 as part of the board’s committee assignments, approved unanimously (7-0).
Infrastructure Projects
Several commissioners identified infrastructure-related goals for 2026, though no formal action was taken: Commissioner Bunek cited Leland Dam repairs, relocating tower equipment, and boat storage; Commissioner Walter cited Drainage District costs; and Commissioner Wessell cited Government Center infrastructure. Commissioner Wessell requested that the Drain Commissioner be placed on an upcoming agenda for an update.
Other Business
Commissioner Walter was elected Vice-Chairman by roll call vote (Walter 4, Wessell 3). The board amended several Rules of Order provisions, including committee meeting hours, public comment time limits, and adding a “Declaration of Conflict of Interest” to all agendas (7-0). A motion by Campbell to add conflict-of-interest declarations failed 2-5. A motion by Allgaier limiting general public comment to one minute passed 4-3. The 2026 meeting schedule and 2027 department update schedule were approved unanimously. Standing committee and board/commission appointments were approved 7-0. Strategic planning discussion was tabled for future development by Chairman Yoder.
Financial Summary
Commissioner Wessell noted health care costs are likely the county’s biggest financial issue for 2026 and expressed concern that budget projections underestimated these costs. Administrator Dyer confirmed the county’s auditor contract, previously authorized up to $70,000.00 for the first year, remains unchanged and is being finalized.
Action Items
Administrator Dyer to finalize the auditor contract (up to $70,000.00) and the Poor Barn contract, both to be brought back to the board. Policy-tracking software has been signed and is being implemented. The Drain Commissioner is to be scheduled for an upcoming board update. Chairman Yoder will compile information for further strategic planning discussion. Ongoing disagreement between Commissioners Campbell and Wessell over the removal of the health care presentation from the agenda remains unresolved.