Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a Budget Work Session on September 1, 2026, chaired by Steve Yoder, with Commissioners Robbins, Walter, Bunek, Wessell, Campbell, and Allgaier present. The Board approved the agenda 7-0 on a motion by Bunek, seconded by Allgaier. The bulk of the meeting consisted of budget presentations from department heads and outside agencies, followed by extended commissioner discussion on staffing policy and the Facilities Director's job description.
Public Comments
No individuals spoke under either the 1-Minute General Topics of County Concern or the 3-Minute Agenda Specific comment periods, and no comments were offered during the later 5-minute public comment period. Written comments were submitted and are available via the linked Budget Work Session materials, but their contents were not summarized in the minutes.
Other Business
The Board received budget updates from several departments and agencies: Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (Michelle Klein and Hannah Grinage) on Early Childhood programs; the Sheriff's Office (Sheriff Michael Borkovich, Lt. Duane Wright, Lt. Todd Roush); Emergency Management/911 (Director Matt Ansorge); Facilities (Director Pat Roach and Maintenance Director Duane Flaska), including a request to increase facilities staff from two to three full-time positions; and Northern Lakes Community Mental Health (CEO Lynda M. Zeller). Commissioners asked questions in each case and thanked presenters, but no votes were taken on any budget requests during this session.
Action Items
Commissioner Wessell stated he has drafted a policy proposal addressing vacant/open positions and budget management, which he intends to present at a future meeting; Commissioners Robbins and Allgaier expressed agreement with pursuing this discussion. Following the Facilities presentation, Commissioner Bunek raised concerns that Facilities Director Pat Roach should be cross-trained to perform Maintenance Director Duane Flaska's duties (including septic system work) so Flaska can take vacation, and suggested the job description needs revision. Commissioner Allgaier agreed. Commissioner Robbins reported he had contacted former Interim Administrator Richard Lewis, who confirmed Roach's duties matched the original job description as Lewis had set it. Chairman Yoder agreed with Bunek and Robbins that the Facilities Director job description should be reviewed. No formal action or vote was taken; this remains a follow-up item for a future meeting. Commissioner Campbell also raised the idea of reducing staffing through attrition based on departmental need rather than retirement timing, which Commissioner Walter supported as consistent with other governmental practice.