← Back to archive
Leelanau TownshipTuesday, March 24, 2026

3/24/2026 - Leelanau Township Board | Special Meeting for FY 26-27 Budget Discussion

Summary

The meeting focused on the Leelanau Township 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan, with discussions on various infrastructure projects including facilities and roads. Key decisions made included budget allocations for improvements to the Woolsey Airport facilities, renovations to the Township Hall, and various park updates. The necessity to pursue grants for several projects was emphasized, alongside establishing a new millage for road improvements.

Public Comments

No public comments or speakers were recorded in the minutes.

Infrastructure Projects

- **Woolsey Airport Hangars:** An estimated $50,000 is allocated for roofing and repairs over the next two years, with $25,000 earmarked annually. The planning for new hangars is ongoing due to strong demand.
  • Woolsey Airport Terminal: Repairs commenced in 2025 using $100,000 in township funds. The total project cost is around $132,000, supported by grants and donations. A $50,000 fundraising effort in 2026 will continue, aiming to match previous donations.

  • Township Hall: A new roof, heating system, and ADA-compliant bathrooms are required, with renovation costs estimated at $800,000. A budget of $200,000 per year from 2027 to 2029 was approved for renovation planning.

  • Braman Hill: Plans include a skate park and necessary repairs, with funds set aside for projects between 2026 and 2029 involving seal coating, bike trails, and accessibility studies.

  • Christmas Cove: Initiatives for ADA accessible paths and a rain garden will proceed, with a grant application under review requiring a 50% match.

  • Peterson Park: Immediate replacements for grills and additional safety features are in the plans, with ongoing costs discussed for subsequent years.

  • Roads: A proposed new millage at 0.3 mills aims to raise approximately $186,900 annually to manage local roads, with a target PASER score of 5 over the six-year period.

Other Business

- Discussion around the need for a comprehensive Parks and Recreation plan was noted. - Future plans for playgrounds and recreational facilities funding were mentioned, focusing on grant applications for several park-related projects.

Financial Summary

Key allocations from the budget include: - Total costs for facilities and infrastructure ranging from $154,100 in 2026 to $370,000 in 2031. - Yearly estimates reflect revenues from various millages, with a remainder budget balance fluctuating based on project implementation and grant acquisitions.

Funding sources include:

  • Millage revenues estimated at $311,500 annually.
  • Specific funding for roads, with a combined contribution from homeowners and the road commission.

Action Items

- Follow up on Woolsey Airport projects and establish a timeline for the additional hangars. - Confirm grant applications for Christmas Cove improvements and park accessibility. - Continue discussions regarding Township Hall renovations and reserve $200,000 annually for projected costs from 2027 to 2029. - Engage in planning for further safety assessments in Peterson Park and pursue grants to support these initiatives.

Source Document

This summary was AI-generated from the official meeting record. The full source document is the authoritative version.

Open source document →