Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met September 16, 2025, under Chairman Steve Yoder with all seven commissioners present. The board approved prior meeting minutes, a consent agenda covering tax rates, facility RFPs, opioid settlement resolutions, and board appointments, then addressed contested items including a temporary hiring freeze, a resolution opposing state health-plan privatization, 2% funding allocations, and a Fraternal Order of Police labor settlement reached after closed session.
Public Comments
Jim White spoke during the agenda-specific comment period; written comments were submitted and posted online. Later in the meeting, additional speakers included Dana Gentsinger, Lois Bahle, Steve Tostege, Steve Mikowski, Kate Elmer, Undersheriff Kiessel, Bill Wiesner, Jim White, and Mickey Eder, largely regarding the hiring freeze and Finance Department staffing dispute. Commissioner Robbins responded sharply, saying he had been asked by residents to slow spending and support a hiring freeze but felt contradicted when Administrator Dyer and Board members were criticized. Commissioner Wessell thanked Eder and noted the board does not typically issue outside resolutions. Commissioner Allgaier urged the board to focus on unity and serving taxpayers rather than division.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The board approved (5-2, Bunek and Walter opposed) allowing Housing North to apply for a Fall 2025 2% allocation for "Housing Ready Community Planning and Housing Action Strategy Implementation." Commissioner Bunek objected that 85% of county tax-funded requests go to non-profits. Commissioner Campbell asked whether the new Housing North contract would require a written report; Administrator Dyer said he suggested it but commissioners declined to require one.
Financial Summary
Claims and accounts of $261,626.07 were approved (7-0). Post-audit claims and accounts of $6,197,261.70 were approved (7-0). The board approved the FY2025 L-4029 tax rate request (Road .4915, Senior Services .3145, Early Childhood .2000, levied December 1). A $16,450.28 humidification system replacement (McCardel Culligan) at the county jail was approved. A 3-year D&W Mechanical facilities service agreement ($459,264.00, 2026-2028) was approved with bid requirements waived. The Family Coordinating Council opioid settlement funding agreement was amended (7-0) to require financial/narrative reports by November 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026. The MIDC FY2026 grant and MACC contract with Jarboe and Pfeil were tabled until November 15, 2025.
Other Business
The board approved resolutions on the Purdue/Sackler, Small Manufacturer, and Sandoz opioid settlements (#2025-013, 014, 015). It authorized an RFP for auditing services and released a July 25, 2025 attorney opinion on conflict-of-interest policy, directing the Administrator to compile existing policies for legal review. Justina Hlvaka was appointed to the Veteran's Affairs Committee (partial term through 2026), and Steve Stanton was formally recognized for his service on that committee and in Vietnam. A Marine Safety Grant amendment of $26,550.00 was accepted. The board signed a 457(b) retirement plan document with Nationwide. Resolution #2025-016 established a temporary hiring freeze pending 2026 budget approval (4-3, Walter/Bunek/Campbell opposed); a Bunek amendment exempting the Finance Department failed (3-4). Resolution #2025-017 opposing MDHHS's competitive procurement plan for Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans passed 5-2 (Bunek, Campbell opposed). After closed session, the board approved (6-1, Bunek opposed) signing a settlement agreement with the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council addressing grievances and unfair labor practice claims.
Action Items
- County Administrator to identify existing conflict-of-interest policies and present them to legal counsel for a uniform policy draft.
- Family Coordinating Council to submit financial/narrative reports on opioid settlement fund spending by November 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026.
- MIDC Grant Acceptance FY2026 and MACC Contract with Jarboe and Pfeil tabled for further discussion at the November 15, 2025 meeting.
- Ongoing tension noted between Administrator Dyer and Finance Director Hartesvelt regarding the Finance Department hiring process amid the new hiring freeze; Administrator Dyer stated the hiring dispute had become politicized.