Summary
The Leelanau Township Board reviewed the proposed 2026-2027 budget on March 26, 2026, covering the General Fund (101), Fire/Emergency Services Fund (206), Police Fund (207), and Road/Facilities Millage Fund (213). The document outlines revenue projections, staffing costs, capital outlay priorities, and anticipated millage renewals for facilities, roads, and police services.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation/Facilities budget totals $231,042, now incorporating the former separate Braman Hill budget. Funding includes a consultant for a new five-year Parks and Recreation plan. Capital outlay includes $10,000 to blacktop the Braman Hill ice rink/skate park and $7,500 to complete the bike trail, totaling $17,500. A separate $26,000 township match is budgeted for Christmas Cove, contingent on securing an EGLE grant for handicap access and a rain garden.
Infrastructure Projects
Communication tower rentals are projected to generate $55,167 in revenue. Village water and sewer costs across departments are budgeted with an 8% increase per NLTUA. The Road/Facilities Millage (0.3 mills) expired in December 2025; a new facilities millage of 0.5 mills (~$311,500/year) and roads millage of 0.3 mills (~$186,900/year) are anticipated. Capital outlay includes $50,000 for township hall facility assessment, design, and urgent heating/roof repairs; $75,000 for Woolsey Memorial Airport (hangar repair $25,000, building repair $50,000); and $260,000 for roads, split between $60,000 in engineering for Cherry Homes Road and $200,000 for improvements to Omena Point Road (M22 to Omena Hts).
Other Business
A new Deputy Supervisor position is proposed at $26/hour for up to 20 hours/week. An Assessing Assistant position (10 hrs/week, $13,520/year, no benefits) is requested. Board of Review per-meeting pay is proposed to increase from $75 to $100. The Police millage expired; a new 0.25 mill proposal will go before voters in the August election, with maximum anticipated revenue of $155,751 if approved. Employee health insurance premium contributions are set at 3%, with an 8% increase in insurance costs budgeted.
Financial Summary
General Fund: total revenue $1,097,193 (also listed as $1,097,953), appropriations $1,153,703, net deficit ($55,750); beginning fund balance $792,399.47, remaining $736,649.47.
Fire/EMS Fund: revenue $2,289,878, appropriations $2,324,173, net deficit ($55,705); beginning fund balance $1,719,015, remaining $1,663,310. Overtime is budgeted at $180,000 due to recruitment/retention issues; $10,000 is set aside for union contract attorney services.
Police Fund: current property tax revenue $130,000, contract services $120,000; fund balance $169,641.39, or $325,392 if the full new millage is levied in 2026.
Road/Facilities Fund: fund balance $869,505.10 (split $434,752.55 each for facilities and roads); facilities capital outlay $154,100 leaves $374,102.55 remaining; roads capital outlay $260,000 leaves $268,202.55 remaining.
Action Items
- Place a 0.25 mill police services millage before voters at the August 2026 election.
- Pursue new facilities (0.5 mill) and roads (0.3 mill) millage renewals.
- Hire a Deputy Supervisor and an Assessing Assistant.
- Complete union contract negotiations for Fire/EMS, budgeted at $10,000 for attorney services.
- Pursue EGLE grant for Christmas Cove handicap access and rain garden ($26,000 township match if awarded).
- Apply $6,000 township match toward an LTCF grant for a Veterans memorial at the Leelanau Township cemetery.
- Complete required annual audits for General Fund ($10,000) and Fire Fund ($4,000).
- Finalize the Township Master Plan, with $2,000 budgeted for printing/publishing.