Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session focusing on the proposed budget for 2026. Key decisions included adjustments to salaries for the Prosecutor's office and discussions over the budget amendments proposed by Administrator Dyer, which sparked debate among commissioners regarding authority and transparency. The recommendation to increase the Assistant Prosecutor's annual salary passed, while concerns about changes to budget rules and appropriations were raised. No public comments were recorded during the session.Public Comments
None were presented during the public comment period.Action Items: Discussion & Recommendations
- **Prosecutor’s Office Salary Increase**: Prosecutor Joe Hubbell requested to raise the Assistant Prosecutor's salary from $83,873.40 to $90,000.00, effective January 1, 2026. The request was backed by most commissioners but faced opposition from Commissioner Bunek. The recommendation passed with a vote of 5-1.-
Proposed 2026 Budget: Administrator Dyer presented changes to the proposed budget and amendments to the Appropriations Act and Budget Rules. Concerns were raised by Commissioner Campbell and Commissioner Bunek regarding these amendments, with Bunek arguing that the changes could undermine the Board's authority. A consensus developed around redoing the budget rules to align more with prior budgets, ensuring transparency.
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Health Insurance Fund: Administrator Dyer discussed changes to the BCBS contract and expressed the need for adjustments due to unsustainability in costs. Bunek and Campbell expressed that these decisions should involve the Board rather than solely the Administrator.
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Leasing Vehicles vs. Purchasing: The discussion around switching from purchasing vehicles to a lease program raised concerns among Bunek and Campbell, who found the changes to be made without sufficient Board directive.