Summary
The Leelanau Township Board reviewed a draft 2026-2027 budget dated March 24, 2026. The plan applies a 3% cost-of-living wage increase (matching Northport and Leelanau County), an 8% projected rise in health insurance costs, and a shift requiring employees to pay 10% of health premiums instead of 3%. The General Fund (101) shows estimated revenue of $1,254,353 against appropriations of $1,259,734, a net deficit of $5,381, leaving a fund balance of $1,507,019 (down from $1,512,400). The Fire/EMS Fund (206) projects revenue of $2,289,878 versus appropriations of $2,325,023, a $35,145 shortfall, reducing its fund balance to $1,833,950. A new Deputy Supervisor position ($40,560 salary plus benefits) is proposed.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation/Facilities budget (101-751) totals $230,830, now incorporating the former separate Braman Hill budget. Capital outlay includes $10,000 to blacktop the Braman Hill ice rink/skate park and $7,500 to complete the bike trail. A township contribution of $26,000 is budgeted for the Christmas Cove project (handicap access and rain garden) contingent on securing an EGLE grant. Gas/oil costs for Parks and Rec are increased 40% due to current fuel prices.
Infrastructure Projects
The Road/Facilities Millage Fund (213) notes the prior 0.3 mill millage expired in December 2025; a new facilities millage (0.5 mills, ~$311,500/yr) and roads millage (0.3 mills, ~$186,900/yr) are anticipated. Proposed capital outlay includes $50,000 for Township Hall assessment/repairs, $75,000 for Woolsey Memorial Airport hangar and building repair, and $260,000 for roads - $60,000 for Cherry Homes engineering plans and $200,000 for Omena Point Road improvement (M22 to Omena Hts). Village water and sewer costs across departments are budgeted with an 8% increase per NLTUA. Communication tower rentals are projected to generate $55,167 in revenue.
Other Business
A Police Services millage of 0.25 mills is proposed for the August election, anticipated to generate up to $155,751 if passed; current fund balance is $169,641.39 ($325,392 if the full millage is levied). The 2026 election year budget totals $37,680, covering roughly 20 election workers, new equipment ($4,000 for a printer and two laptops), and contracted early voting services with Leelanau County. Fire/EMS union contract negotiations are budgeted at $10,000 for attorney services, and the Fire Chief's salary is increased 10% for county parity. A $6,000 township match to an LTCF grant for a Veterans memorial at the Township cemetery is also included, funded by cemetery perpetual care CD interest.
Financial Summary
Key allocations include $124,065 for Assessing/Board of Review, $102,402 for Planning and Zoning, $314,220 for Township Hall operations (including $30,000 legal services and $10,000 auditing), and $16,266 for the Airport. Board of Review per diem is proposed to increase from $75 to $100 per meeting. Fire/EMS repair and maintenance is budgeted at $130,000, with $100,000 for equipment. The Road/Facilities fund's current balance is $869,505.10, split $434,752.55 each for facilities and roads before proposed capital spending.
Action Items
Township must finalize the August ballot language for the proposed 0.25 mill Police Services millage and new Roads/Facilities millages. Union contract negotiations for Fire/EMS personnel are pending, requiring legal counsel ($10,000 budgeted). The Township is also awaiting outcome of the EGLE grant application for the Christmas Cove project before finalizing that $26,000 match.