Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a Budget Work Session on October 7, 2025, chaired by Steve Yoder, to review draft 2026 department budgets, capital outlay plans, and revenue projections. The Board approved the agenda unanimously (5-0, Robbins and Walter absent at the vote) and heard budget presentations from the Health Department, County Clerk, and Finance Director. Commissioners were asked to rank Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) items ahead of the next work session on October 14, 2025.
Public Comments
Mary Tonneberger spoke during the agenda-specific comment period; the minutes do not detail her remarks. Bill Wiesner spoke during the general public comment period; the minutes do not summarize the content of his comments or any board response.
Other Business
Commissioner Bunek reported that at the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) conference, MAC passed its 2025-2026 general government platform, which does not support Tribal 2% gaming funds going to non-governmental organizations.
Financial Summary
Michelle Klein and Hannah Grinnage of the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department presented a proposed Early Childhood/Parenting Committee budget via handout. County Clerk Michelle Crocker reviewed budgets she statutorily oversees, including Elections, Clerk's Office, Circuit Court, Jury Commission, and Concealed Pistol Licenses, noting her overall budget increase is kept under 3%. She noted the Clerk's Office budget alone exceeds $700,000, and combined with the Jury Commission totals over $1 million (confirmed by Commissioner Robbins). A Special Projects line item of $15,000 was discussed for record preservation, matching the 2022 request. Crocker also requested continuation of a part-time Election position into 2026 to reduce overtime needs.
Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt presented the draft 2026 Capital Outlay & Budget Worksheet, revised Revenue Projections (per Administrator Dyer's directive), a Wage & Benefit Increases handout, and Department Totals changes. She noted the Veteran's Burial allotment has historically been $300, with the Board free to adjust it. Discussion also covered a hiring freeze and currently open positions within the proposed budget.
Action Items
Each commissioner is to rank and itemize CIP items (yes/no) ahead of the next Budget Work Session on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, as requested by Chairman Yoder. Commissioner Wessell suggested the Board could receive monthly reports on overtime spending, though no formal action was taken. Clerk Crocker asked to be included in any future discussions regarding union position re-classifications, referencing a similar request from the Sheriff's Office, though nothing has been submitted in writing.