Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met on August 21, 2026, chaired by Steve Yoder. The Board approved the agenda as amended (6-0, Bunek absent for the vote), heard two strategic plan presentations from consulting firms, reviewed 2027 projected revenues with no consensus to change proposed figures, and engaged in extended discussion about concerns with the county's current audit firm's handling of the Road Commission audit.
Other Business
Guidehouse representatives John Gianopoulos (Senior Leader), Staci Haag (Project Manager), Jeneen McNally (Leader), and Mike Allard (Manager) presented a strategic plan proposal via handout. DZ Strategy Management Principal Scott Dzurka and Strategic Advisor Mary Swanson also presented a competing proposal via handout. No decisions were recorded on either proposal. Commissioner Bunek arrived at 9:43 a.m. during the Guidehouse presentation; Commissioner Allgaier left at 11:03 a.m. following a break.
Financial Summary
Finance Director Rio Risbridger, Assistant Finance Director Austin Flint-Hinson, County Treasurer John A. Gallagher III, and Chief Deputy Sarah Lautner presented 2027 projected revenues. Commissioners discussed the figures but reached no consensus to change any of the proposed 2027 budget revenues. No specific dollar amounts were stated in the minutes.
Action Items
Commissioner Bunek raised concerns about the county's audit firm's performance regarding the Road Commission's 2025 Audit, based on a conversation with Road Commission Finance Manager Susan Boyd. He reported no formal report had been presented to the Road Commission Board (typically due in May or June), no random payroll testing occurred, and communication was limited to emails. Bunek stated the audit firm only contacted the Road Commission after the Leelanau Enterprise newspaper inquired about a quote from them.
Commissioner Campbell independently contacted Road Commission Manager Brendan Mullane, who reportedly told Campbell that if another year's audit mirrors the prior one, the Road Commission will seek its own auditor rather than use the County's chosen firm, citing serious concerns about audit depth.
Commissioner Robbins urged patience, noting his own conversation with Mullane yielded a different, more workable impression than what Bunek and Campbell described.
Chairman Yoder stated the Board intends to move forward with the current audit firm, per a prior Tuesday meeting decision, and said he hopes to communicate directly with the firm to clarify expectations and promote a positive message. No vote was taken on changing audit firms; this remains an unresolved point of tension among commissioners for potential follow-up.