Summary
The Suttons Bay Downtown Development Authority met on November 12, 2025 primarily to review the proposed 2026 DDA budget and the 2026 meeting schedule. The board's main action was consideration of a recommendation to adopt the DDA budget, which will then go to Village Council for final approval, as the DDA does not have authority to adopt budgets itself.
Infrastructure Projects
The DDA reported ongoing progress on the joint bathroom project. Staff anticipate going out for bids in January 2026, with an optimistic goal of breaking ground once frost laws are lifted. The board also discussed the possibility of updating the DDA Plan, with funds budgeted to hire a consultant to guide the amendment process. The intent of the plan update would be to revise the project list to reflect smaller, more easily accomplished projects once the bathroom project is finished.
Other Business
The board reviewed the DDA Meeting Schedule for 2026. The next regular DDA meeting was announced for February 11, 2026. Standard agenda items included call to order, roll call/quorum, approval of agenda, conflict of interest disclosures, approval of prior minutes, manager's update, and board/staff comments.
Financial Summary
The 2026 DDA budget proposes total expenditures of $188,660 against total revenues of $104,200, producing a projected deficit of $84,460. Despite this deficit, the DDA expects to end the year with a final fund balance of $101,607. The report notes that the DDA/TIF capture is still young with limited revenue capture to date, and the organization is intentionally spending down savings now to fund the bathroom project, expecting to replenish funds afterward. The recommended action presented was a motion for the DDA to recommend approval and adoption of the budget by the Village Council, as presented.
Action Items
- DDA to recommend approval and adoption of the 2026 budget to the Village Council, as presented.
- Village Council must formally adopt the 2026 DDA budget as the legislative body responsible for adoption.
- Staff to prepare and issue bids for the joint bathroom project in January 2026, with construction to begin after frost laws lift.
- DDA to further discuss hiring a consultant to guide a potential update/amendment of the DDA Plan.
- Next regular DDA meeting scheduled for February 11, 2026.