Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a Budget Work Session on November 3, 2025, chaired by Steve Yoder, to review the 2026 Proposed to Adopt Budget. Commissioners approved the agenda (5-0) and recommended a salary increase for the Assistant Prosecutor (5-1, Bunek opposed). Extensive debate occurred over proposed changes to the Appropriations Act Resolution and Budget Rules, with Commissioners Campbell and Bunek objecting to what they viewed as a shift of authority from the Board to Administrator Dyer. Dyer agreed to revert the documents to the 2025 format for public review.
Public Comments
No public comments were submitted during either the agenda-specific comment period or the general public comment period.
Other Business
Commissioner Wessell noted he "feels good" about the budget process and jokingly said each Commissioner owes him $10.00 for Halloween donuts. Administrator Dyer explained a proposed switch from purchasing county vehicles to a lease program; Commissioners Bunek and Campbell expressed concern that this was included without prior Board direction. Commissioner Bunek raised concerns about a pending resignation in the Finance Department (possibly the Assistant Finance Director), noting he learned of it informally and not all Commissioners were informed; Dyer stated he intended to notify the full Board. Commissioner Campbell proposed that next year the Board start the budget process earlier and have Commissioners state priorities in advance.
Financial Summary
- Assistant Prosecutor wage increase recommended from $83,873.40 to $90,000.00, effective 1/1/2026 (Motion by Walter, seconded by Robbins/Wessell; Ayes 5 - Walter, Wessell, Yoder, Campbell, Robbins; No 1 - Bunek; Absent 1 - Allgaier).
- Finance Director Hartesvelt reported no current request for Opioid funds; the 2026 budget will reflect a $50,000.00 contractual expense instead.
- Health Insurance Fund: Dyer stated maintaining a $20,000 stop loss is not sustainable, as per-contract costs will rise from $1,200.00 to $1,800.00 per month with a BCBS contract renewal set for February 2026.
- Dyer distributed a handout analyzing Elected Official and Chief wage proposals at 3%, 5%, and 10% increases; Campbell noted he expected a comparison to similar-sized counties rather than across-the-board increases.
- Multiple department budget adjustments and revenue increases were reviewed via handouts (2026 Budget Summary, General Fund Revenues, General Fund Expenditures by Department, and Other Funds).
Action Items
- Administrator Dyer to redraft the Appropriations Act Resolution and Budget Rules to match the previously adopted 2025 format, with only necessary language/year changes, for public review before the public hearing and Board approval.
- Administrator Dyer to invite insurance agent Lew Wolters to the Executive Session to update the Board on the BCBS contract renewal and health insurance changes.
- Administrator Dyer to notify the full Board via email when significant staffing changes (e.g., resignations) occur, per Commissioner Bunek's request; Dyer stated he already planned to do so.
- Commissioner Campbell recommended starting the 2027 budget process earlier, with Commissioners identifying priorities in advance.