Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on September 9, 2025, chaired by Steve Yoder. The Board approved the agenda 7-0 and focused discussion on two main items: a fleet leasing proposal from Enterprise Fleet Management and property tax revenue projections for the 2026 budget. Capital project prioritization was postponed to a future work session. Commissioners Walter and Robbins left partway through the meeting.
Public Comments
Bill Wiesner spoke twice during the meeting: once during agenda-specific public comment (noted as not agenda specific) and again during the five-minute general public comment period. Written comments from Wiesner were also submitted and are available via a linked document; the minutes do not summarize their content.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer infrastructure items were discussed at this meeting.
Other Business
Capital Project Prioritization, originally on the agenda, was moved to a future budget work session without discussion of specific projects.
Financial Summary
Enterprise Fleet Management representative Christopher Tyner presented a vehicle leasing proposal. Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt noted the current budget includes three vehicles for the Sheriff's Office; Commissioner Bunek noted lease costs of $149,000 for the coming year, with additional vehicles adding to that ongoing cost. Administrator Jim Dyer proposed obtaining a contract from Enterprise with two options for the 2026 budget: replacing currently budgeted vehicles versus leasing nine vehicles.
On property tax revenue, Dyer noted property taxes fund about 65% of the General Fund. Equalization Director Andrew Giguere's projections, using assumed uncapping increases of 2.5%, 4%, and 6%, estimated revenue between $4.3 and $4.4 million. Treasurer John Gallagher III presented alternative projections: using the state Headlee Rollback average of 3.1% growth, projected collections of $14.1 million; using a four-year compounded average growth of 4.1%, projected collections of approximately $14.25 million, a $138,000 difference between models. Gallagher recommended budgeting 50% of the gross revenue projection and increasing contingency funds to absorb any gap, noting historical annual tax base growth of about $46 million (roughly $150,000 in new taxable value). Commissioner Allgaier supported the 50% approach. Commissioner Bunek raised concerns about lost taxable value from the Sugarloaf property and again requested consideration of a tax reduction, which Dyer said remains an option for the Board to decide once revenue estimates are finalized.
Action Items
- Administrator Dyer to obtain a contract from Enterprise Fleet Management with two vehicle options (replacement vs. nine-vehicle lease) for the 2026 budget.
- Commissioners Campbell, Bunek, and Wessell requested Dyer research other fleet management companies and contact other counties about their experiences, reporting back to the Board.
- Dyer to meet with the Finance Director and Treasurer to agree on a final revenue estimate and allocation between the General Fund and contingency.
- Capital Project Prioritization discussion moved to a future budget work session.