Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met June 16, 2026, with all seven commissioners present. The board approved several consent agenda items, a $7,500 reallocation for AI-based finance software, ratified a prior termination of a consulting agreement, approved Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher's salary, and authorized an audit filing extension. The board also entered closed session to discuss an attorney-client privileged communication.
Public Comments
No individuals spoke during the 1-minute general concern or 3-minute agenda-specific comment periods. Written comments were submitted and are available online but were not summarized in the minutes. Later in the meeting, a separate 5-minute public comment period drew nine speakers: Sheriff Mike Borkovich, Brian Fleetwood, Kim Rozanski, Steve Tostige, Tim McCalley, Susan Davenport, Jim White, Bill Wiesner, and Steve Mikowski. The minutes do not detail the content of their remarks or any board response.
Infrastructure Projects
The board approved a tower space lease agreement with Relevant Radio at the Central Tower site, authorizing Chairman Steve Yoder to sign pending final approval from corporate counsel. Commissioners also approved 2026 remonumentation peer group agreements with O'Non Land Surveying, Homberg Land Survey, and Grand Traverse Surveying ($800 each), a peer group agreement with Leelanau Land Surveying, and related surveyor services agreements, all funded from the Remonumentation account.
Other Business
Michael Roof, Director of Veterans Affairs for Grand Traverse County, gave his annual update on shared veterans' services, noting Veterans' Service Officer Chris Dailey serves Leelanau County weekly. The board discussed but took no vote on the Harris Timeclock Plus/ClayHR software conflict, with Finance Director Rio Risbridger confirming no AI bridge exists between the systems; this is intended as an 18–24 month stopgap until new financial software is in place. Commissioner Campbell asked how the county ended up with two signed contracts. Commissioner Bunek suggested Tuesday, July 14, 2026, for the first budget process meeting. Commissioner Bunek reported the Airport passed its audit with one finding related to untimely state grant information, and noted a replacement jet walk was purchased for about half a million dollars, less than the cost of four new ones. Commissioners announced upcoming community events: Elmwood Township's 250th celebration (Robbins, June 26), an EV information event at the park (Allgaier, Friday, 10–12), and Kids Fishing Day (Campbell, June 28).
Financial Summary
- 2026 Marine Safety Program Grant accepted: $47,000.00 from Michigan DNR.
- Workers' Compensation renewal approved: $49,525.00 (Accident Fund National/Highstreet Insurance), July 1, 2026–July 1, 2027.
- Brownfield Redevelopment Authority proceeds accepted: $96,487.53 from a failed real estate transaction involving the former county building.
- $7,500.00 reallocated from unused Finance wage/benefits funds to Contractual Services (Account #101.825.201.801.000) for a Claude for Work Enterprise Plan license, with competitive bidding waived.
- Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher's salary approved at $4,214.50 per pay period through August 18, 2026, or until further board action.
- Claims and Accounts approved: $256,851.48.
- Post Audit Claims and Accounts approved: $6,672,843.57.
- Board authorized filing an extension for the 2025 Audited Financial Statements and Annual Financial Reports (F-65); auditors did not consider it necessary but staff preferred to be prepared.
Action Items
- Interim Administrator Cypher to continue planning the 2027 budget process, requesting departmental input on project timelines by month/quarter.
- Finance Director and Deputy Treasurer Sarah Lautner to finalize RFP details for Enterprise Resource Management software this week.
- Board to revisit the Harris Timeclock Plus/ClayHR contract conflict at a future date; no decision made.
- Commissioners to meet Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to begin the budget process, per Commissioner Bunek's suggestion.
- Board Chair authorized to sign documents for the F-65 audit extension.