Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council held a special meeting on December 2, 2025, led by President Lutke, with all seven members present. Key actions included adopting the maximum Headlee millage rate for 2026, approving the 2026 budget and fee schedule, setting 2026 meeting dates, and making several board and committee appointments.
Public Comments
No public comments were received during the Truth in Taxation hearing, and no public comments were offered at the start or end of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Perkins stated he did not feel local residents should have to pay the boat launch fee, raising this concern during discussion of the 2026 fee schedule. No specific action was taken on this point beyond the overall budget vote.
Infrastructure Projects
Staff member Rob (Larrea) reported that marina fees will increase in 2026 and the following year. Water fees are also set to increase, as recommended by the Utility Department. These fee changes were included as part of the 2026 Budget and Fee Schedule adopted under Resolution 3 of 2025.
Other Business
The council approved the consent agenda, including the November 17, 2025 minutes and invoice payments (Ayes: 7, No: 0), and approved the agenda as presented (Ayes: 7, No: 0). The 2026 meeting schedule was approved, noting there is no meeting in January (Ayes: 7, No: 0). Gail Hetler and Steve Feringa were reappointed to the Planning Commission, and Karen Hassevoort was reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals, each for three-year terms through December 31, 2028 (Ayes: 7, No: 0). Committee assignments were approved: Trustees Christensen and Yoder to the Administrative Committee, Trustees Suppes and Smith to the Utilities Committee, and Trustees Bahle and Perkins to the General Services Committee; Trustee Christensen was named President Pro-Tem and Karl Bahle to the Zoning Board of Appeals (Ayes: 7, No: 0). During Good of the Order, Perkins asked about attendance at other Boards and Commissions, Lutke offered to host the Christmas Party, and Lutke noted the Village is still seeking a DDA member.
Financial Summary
The council adopted the maximum millage rate allowed by Headlee to support the 2026 budget (Roll Call: Ayes 7, No 0). Resolution 3 of 2025 approved the 2026 Budget with revenues of $3,369,360 and expenditures of $4,000,987, along with the Fee Schedule (Roll Call: Smith-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Suppes-Yes, Bahle-Yes, Perkins-No, Yoder-Yes, Lutke-Yes; Ayes: 6, No: 1). Marina and water fees are set to increase in 2026, with marina fees rising further the following year.
Action Items
The Village continues seeking a DDA member. President Lutke is to organize the Christmas Party. County-set 2026 millage rates remain pending, though the Village will assess the Headlee maximum.