3/24/2026 - Leelanau Township Board | Special Meeting for FY 26-27 Budget Justification

Summary

The meeting primarily focused on the budget justification for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The key highlights included planned cost-of-living adjustments, anticipated increases in health insurance costs, and projections of various revenue streams. Overall, the budget reflects efforts to maintain essential services while preparing for potential funding changes.

Public Comments

There were no recorded public comments or speaker names mentioned in the document pertaining to this budget meeting.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

There was no discussion regarding affordable housing initiatives in the document.

Parks and Recreation Matters

The Parks and Recreation budget includes: - Salaries increased by 3% COLA, totaling $135,000. - Per diem payments for committee members and chair, totaling $5,825. - Operating supplies budgeted at $10,000, with increased costs for gas and oil. - Contract services for a consultant to develop a new 5-year Parks and Recreation plan, snow plowing, and equipment rental. Next steps involve refining service contracts and allocating funds for facility repairs and maintenance as necessary.

Infrastructure Projects

The budget indicates ongoing and new infrastructure projects: - **Airport**: $75,000 allocated for building repairs and hangar repairs. - **Roads**: Capital outlay budget proposes $260,000 for road improvements on Omena Point and $60,000 for engineering at Cherry Homes. - **Cemeteries**: $15,000 is allocated for removal of dead trees. These decisions are set to enhance township services and respond to infrastructure needs as they arise.

Other Business

Key agenda items included specific salaries and benefits for township officials that reflect the 3% COLA and necessary operational increases reflecting inflation or service requirements. Notably, significant attention was paid to the emergency services budget and planned improvements in fire services and staffing.

Financial Summary

- Total estimated revenue for township operations: **$1,254,353**. - Total appropriations: **$1,259,734** leading to a net shortfall of **($5,381)**. - Fire/Emergency Services projected revenues of **$2,289,878** against proposed appropriations of **$2,325,023**, creating a shortfall of **($35,145)**. - A remaining fund balance of **$1,507,019** in township operations and **$1,833,950** in Emergency Services remained after accounting for deficits.

Action Items

1. Finalize the budgetary provisions and allocations before the official submission deadline. 2. Monitor impacts of increasing health insurance premiums on budgeting items. 3. Further define and outline the Parks and Recreation 5-year plan in collaboration with consultants. 4. Schedule engineering plans for road improvements and confirm project timelines. 5. Ensure consistent updates regarding the proposed police services millage in August to secure needed funding.