11042026_BOC_Budget Work Session

Leelanau County Board of Commissioners budget work session, November 4, 2026: Officials reviewed the proposed 2027 general fund budget, including updated employee health-insurance estimates of approximately $3.33 million and revenue adjustments. After the finance team’s recommendations, the projected general-fund deficit was about $742,342. The board voted 7–0 to reduce the contingency from $400,000 to $100,000. It also approved an amendment setting the proposed Brownfield Authority contribution at $10,000, down from the previously approved $40,000; members discussed the authority’s available balances and the need for working funds. The budget includes a $275,000 transfer from the delinquent tax revolving fund to match the board’s additional MERS contribution. The $31,500 for imagery was to be shifted from the general fund to the mapping fund rather than carried in the 2027 budget.

Procurement-related discussion focused on the Leland Dam: the budget includes $80,000 for structural health monitoring, and the Dam Authority has two proposals to review before recommending a provider. No service agreement or vendor selection had been made. The board also discussed the need to retain funding for future dam work and Brownfield engineering needs. The session did not record a contract award or bid approval; staff planned to complete the budget and prepare a clean copy for public review and the subsequent approval process.