Summary
The Leelanau Township Board held a special meeting on March 3, 2026, functioning as a budget workshop focused on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) revenue and expense projections for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The Board reviewed detailed line-item revenue and expenditure figures, discussed repairs to the Omena Fire Hall, and considered proposed salary resolutions for elected officials. No votes were taken on the budget itself; further discussion was deferred to a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m. on a voice vote of 4 Aye, 0 Nay.
Public Comments
None were made during this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Fire Chief Hugh Cook, Supervisor Barbara Conley, and Trustee Elizabeth Schwind discussed needed repairs and improvements to the Omena Fire Hall, including a new roof and a possible building extension. Chief Cook is currently collecting bids for the work. The Board discussed the potential use of fund balance to cover repair costs if expenditures exceed budget expectations, with the possibility of utilizing approximately one-third of the fund balance for major repair expenses if necessary. No formal decision or vote was recorded on this item.
Other Business
The Board discussed a proposed township salary resolution, with suggested increases of 3% for the Clerk, Treasurer, and Trustee positions, and 10% for the Supervisor. Discussion referenced median area income of approximately $100,000 and compared staffing/administrative workloads among 11 surrounding Leelanau County townships. No vote was taken. Fire Chief Cook also asked about Clerk Jessica Wilson's prior mention of retaining a company for payroll and HR services; Clerk Wilson said a portion of the $30,000 administration fee transferred from the 206 Fire Fund to the 101 General Fund would cover this, and she is gathering cost information to bring back to the Board.
Financial Summary
Projected FY2026-2027 EMS revenues include: Property Tax Revenue $1,917,540.83 (actual FY2025-2026 was $1,736,251.24); Patient Service Fees $30,000.00; Interest Earned $26,512.00; Reimbursements/Refunds $3,366.00. No grants are anticipated.
Major draft expense line items reviewed include EMT Salary $930,000.00; Overtime Pay $180,000.00; Group Health Insurance $225,000.00 (costs up approximately 11-13%); Repair and Maintenance $150,000.00; Pension Plan Contribution $104,000.00 (10% employer contribution); Equipment $100,000.00; Contract Services $90,000.00; Fire Chief salary $93,473.00; Insurance and Bonds $120,000.00; Employer Social Security $76,000.00; Cert & YRS $35,000.00; Education and Training $15,000.00 (paramedic classes funded by the State of Michigan); Emergency Services Administration Transfer $30,000.00; Auditing $7,500.00; and numerous smaller utility and operating line items. No budget was formally adopted; discussion is to continue at a future meeting, including General Fund budget items.
Action Items
- Clerk Jessica Wilson to gather cost information on payroll/HR service contract and report back to the Board.
- Fire Chief Hugh Cook to continue collecting bids for Omena Fire Hall roof and extension work.
- Board to continue General Fund budget and remaining draft budget discussions at a future meeting; a special meeting may be called with 18 hours' notice if needed under the Michigan Open Meetings Act.