Summary
The Leelanau Township Board held a special meeting on March 19, 2026 to review the draft 2026-2027 budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Supervisor Barbara Conley, Clerk Jessica Wilson, Treasurer JoLisa Ugalde, Trustee Elizabeth Schwind, and Trustee Silvia Gans were present; none absent. The agenda was approved 5-0. The Board worked through department-by-department budget line items, discussed salary increases, and reviewed a proposed new police millage. No formal budget adoption vote occurred; this was a working/review session.
Public Comments
Mark Krueger spoke twice. First, he raised concerns about local road funding options, including a road millage versus Special Assessment Districts (SADs), questioning the cost impact and equity of SADs on residents of sparsely populated roads. He noted planned 2026 Road Commission improvements that may reduce future repair costs and suggested a road millage as a funding option; this was a resident suggestion, not a Board decision. Second, Krueger commented on the Woolsey Terminal Building, supporting preservation of its historical references, noting original documents called it the "Administration Building" while "Terminal Building" is the commonly used historical name. No Board response or action was recorded for either comment.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The draft budget included Parks & Recreation salaries of $146,880 with a 3% cost-of-living increase for the department head and facilities employee (one full-time, one part-time). Funds previously tracked under Braman Hill (fund 753) were moved into the Parks and Recreation (751) general ledger to consolidate all park-related expenses.
Infrastructure Projects
The current police services millage expired in December 2025; a new millage of 0.25 mills will be proposed for the August election, with anticipated revenue of $155,751 to be levied in December 2026. Facilities & Roads capital outlay in the draft budget includes $260,000 for roads, $75,000 for the airport, $50,000 for the hall, $6,000 for the cemetery, $26,000 for Christmas Cove, and $1,750 for Braman Hill. Town Hall water and sewer costs are budgeted for an 8% increase.
Other Business
Treasurer Ugalde presented the 2025 settlement report, explaining how funds are collected and distributed among Township funds. Board discussed the Deputy Supervisor position without further detail. Assessor requested renewal of Pivot Point licenses and addition of ArcGIS software, plus a part-time assessing assistant at $26/hour (~$13,520 annually, no benefits).
Financial Summary
Extensive line-item budget figures were reviewed across Trustees, Supervisor, Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Assessing, Board of Review, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, Elections, Town Hall, Cemetery, Planning & Zoning, Parks & Recreation, Airport, Police Services, and Facilities & Roads. Notable items: Supervisor salary increased 10% (~$27/hour); Clerk salary increased 3% to $63,860; Deputy Clerk raised from $25 to $26/hour; Zoning Administrator raised from $62 to $64/hour; Board of Review per diem increased to $150/meeting; health insurance costs expected to rise 8% starting January 2027.
Action Items
- Assessor to pursue renewal of Pivot Point licenses and addition of ArcGIS software.
- Board of Review per diem to increase to $150 per meeting.
- New 0.25 mill police services millage to go before voters in the August election.