Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on August 26, 2025, chaired by Steve Yoder with all seven commissioners present. The session featured a citizen presentation on improving budget transparency, a review of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and extended discussion of the county's structural budget deficit and revenue projections. No formal budget votes were taken; the agenda was approved 7-0.
Public Comments
No public comments were offered during either scheduled public comment period (agenda-specific or general). Solon Township resident Rebecca Hendrick, a retired University of Illinois Chicago professor of public administration, gave an invited presentation (not public comment) recommending the county adopt Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) budgeting criteria to improve transparency. She proposed 12 of GFOA's 25 award criteria, including a capital budgeting component she added after meeting with Administrator Dyer. Commissioners Campbell, Allgaier, Bunek, and Wessell asked clarifying questions about her credentials, the criteria, and implementation timing; Hendrick clarified she is not affiliated with GFOA but is a citizen advocate. Administrator Dyer noted this reflects better communication of priorities, not improper spending.
Infrastructure Projects
Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt and Treasurer John Gallagher reviewed the CIP handout. Administrator Dyer explained the Planning Commission currently develops the CIP under state statute, but the Board could adopt a hybrid process where departments submit projects and the Board prioritizes them. Commissioner Wessell questioned proceeding without knowing revenue availability. Treasurer Gallagher confirmed the county is using fund balance to cover operations. Commissioner Bunek requested the handout distinguish 2025-budgeted items from proposed 2026 items; Hartesvelt agreed to revise it. Commissioner Bunek raised interest in changing the heating system rather than the previously approved heat pumps; Commissioner Allgaier noted the prior Board already committed to heat pumps. Commissioner Campbell urged prioritizing CIP infrastructure items over new staffing or discretionary requests given the deficit.
Other Business
Commissioner Allgaier reported the Northern Community Action Agency will fund programs without inflation adjustments. Opioid settlement funds were discussed briefly; Hartesvelt noted the Leelanau County Family Coordinating Council (LCFCC) is requesting a contract extension, with a fuller presentation planned for September. Commissioner Campbell asked Administrator Dyer whether Housing North reports were forthcoming; Dyer confirmed yes. A dispute arose over live-streaming the meeting, which is not standard practice for work sessions; Commissioner Wessell said he requested the stream for transparency and was upset at being questioned about it; Chairman Yoder called a break (10:50–10:58 a.m.) and later asked the Administrator to review streaming policy.
Financial Summary
Hendrick noted Leelanau County derives about 65% of revenue from property taxes and 23% from state/federal sources (88% combined), with capital spending only about 2% of expenditures. Comparisons included Lapeer County ($32 million for Community Mental Health, $18 million other funds) and Cadillac (population ~10,000, ~$12 million expenditures). Commissioner Campbell noted county expenditures rose from $15 million to $18 million without matching revenue growth. Treasurer Gallagher said state liquor tax (COBO Hall) revenue-sharing rose to nearly $500,000–$600,000, used for General Fund operations. No budget votes were taken; revenue projections will be reviewed at the next work session.
Action Items
- Finance Director Hartesvelt to revise the CIP handout distinguishing 2025 vs. proposed 2026 items and provide departmental overtime/reduction data.
- Treasurer Gallagher to prepare live State of Michigan revenue dashboard for the next budget work session.
- Administrator Dyer to explore formal live-streaming policy for work sessions; Commissioner Wessell to propose a rules change at the next regular meeting.
- Commissioner Robbins to follow up on vehicle program costs and MERS service-credit purchase options.
- Two staff members (including Finance Director Hartesvelt) to pursue GFOA credentials, supported by Commissioner Campbell and Administrator Dyer.
- September meeting planned for an opioid settlement funds presentation, including LCFCC contract extension request.