Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on November 17, 2025, with President Pro-Tem Christensen presiding. The council approved the consent agenda, 2025 year-end budget amendments, and scheduled a special meeting for December 2, 2025 to address the 2026 Truth in Taxation hearing and budget adoption. Staff reported on a shoreline restoration grant and law enforcement statistics.
Public Comments
Will Case commended Village Manager Larrea and DeVol for their work on the budget, thanking them and noting the Village is financially secure. Bill Crackel asked whether the lights at the coal dock are set to a timer or turned off for the season; no response is recorded in the minutes.
Infrastructure Projects
Larrea reported that the Village received a grant with the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed for shoreline restoration at the coal dock. The Village's portion of the cost is $15,000, of which $7,000 will go toward engineering expenses, with the remainder provided in kind.
Other Business
Smith reported that the Planning Commission will hear a proposal for an expansion of the Inland Seas campus. Suppes thanked the DPW crew for their work collecting leaves this fall. Lutke noted the Village is still seeking a DDA member.
Financial Summary
- 2025 Budget Amendments (VSB 2025-35): Approved expenses of $4,212,665 and revenues of $3,580,507. Larrea noted savings had been accumulated for purchases made this year, including a new plow truck. Motion by Yoder, seconded by Bahle; Roll Call Vote: Smith-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Suppes-Yes, Bahle-Yes, Perkins-Yes, Yoder-Yes, Lutke-Yes. Ayes: 7, No: 0.
- 2026 Truth in Taxation Hearing (VSB-2025-36): Special meeting scheduled for December 2, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Motion by Lutke, seconded by Christensen. Ayes: 7, No: 0.
- 2026 Budget Hearing (VSB-2025-37): Special meeting scheduled for December 2, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. to consider adoption of the proposed 2026 budget. Motion by Bahle, seconded by Yoder. Ayes: 7, No: 0.
- Shoreline restoration grant: Village's share is $15,000, with $7,000 for engineering and the remainder in kind.
Action Items
- Special Village Council meeting on December 2, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. for the Truth in Taxation hearing and 2026 budget adoption.
- Continued search for a DDA member, as noted by Lutke.
- Planning Commission to consider proposal for Inland Seas campus expansion.