Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met September 17, 2024, with Chairman Ty Wessell presiding. Commissioners approved prior meeting minutes and a ten-item consent agenda covering Sheriff's Office inmate housing and hiring matters, a Child Care Fund budget amendment, a MIDC grant acceptance, a Rehmann chart-of-accounts contract, tax rate levies, a brownfield public hearing date, and other routine items. The most contentious action was a 5-1 vote to raise Chief Deputy Treasurer and Chief Deputy Register of Deeds salaries to $69,283.85 each, over strong objection from Commissioner Lautner. The Board also approved a one-year audit services extension (5-1), introduced the FY2025 budget, and approved claims and accounts.
Public Comments
During the first public comment period (agenda-specific), no individuals spoke in person; written comments were submitted and are available via the county's online handout link. During the second public comment period (open topic), Steve Mikowski spoke, though the minutes do not detail his remarks.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Ross reiterated the ongoing Parks survey, calling parks "a huge asset" and asking the community to spread the word so the county could make improvements with its "small budget." No deadline was specified, and no formal action was taken.
Infrastructure Projects
Administrator Richard I. Lewis updated the Board on the Leelanau Township Communication Tower, noting he received a memorandum from the Township Planner regarding outstanding issues, and commented that the application was complete though "not perfect." He also referenced Progressive AE's response to the Township's questions. Lewis additionally reported on three major bids in progress — the Dam Boardwalk project, electrical panels, and a facade project/repair — expecting to report back in October with hopes some work would be completed this fall.
Other Business
- Approved a one-year extension with Spinniken Lawn & Irrigation for county campus mowing at $520.00/mow, with optional spring clean-up at $84.00/hour and dethatching at $1,500.00 (6-0).
- Approved the MIDC/MACC contract with Jarboe and Pfeil (6-0).
- Approved the County Administrator job description and salary range of $110,000–$140,000, authorizing continued work with Mr. Janik on the search (6-0).
- Authorized Interim Administrator Lewis to sign a waiver of conflict for Veterans Services representation (6-0).
- Approved a joint special meeting with Grand Traverse County on October 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to discuss the Northwest Regional Airport Authority terminal expansion and bonding; no Leelanau County funding was requested (6-0).
Financial Summary
Approved claims and accounts totaling $338,683.85 (6-0) and post-audit claims and accounts totaling $7,671,535.22 (6-0). The MIDC Grant Acceptance for FY2025 was approved with an authorized budget of $369,376.60 ($316,130.38 state share, $53,246.22 local share). The Rehmann chart-of-accounts contract was approved at $30,000.00 from contingency. Audit services with Rehmann Robson were extended for $84,000.00 ($69,000.00 county audit, $15,000.00 Road Commission audit). Commissioner Lautner raised concerns about long-term budget sustainability given recent salary increases.
Action Items
- Administrator Lewis to return in October with updates on the Dam Boardwalk, electrical panel, and facade bids.
- Budget sessions to begin the following week, covering general overview, capital outlay, Village of Suttons Bay requests, personnel changes, and potential Tribal 2% increases.
- Commissioner Lautner suggested the Board review pay equity among all Chief Deputies (Sheriff, Prosecutor, Treasurer, Clerk, Register of Deeds) "in the next month," though this was a proposal, not a Board decision.
- Commissioner Allgaier noted the need for a future wage study and adjustments to starting salaries.