Board of Commissioners Special Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Benzie County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on July 21, 2026, primarily focused on reviewing and discussing the county's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Key procurement-related topics included budget allocations for parks and recreation projects, such as the Crystal Lake outlet project with a $600,000 grant split between state and conservancy funds, and maintenance funding for Railroad Point Park using an endowment fund. The meeting also covered the materials management fund, including a $25 recycling surcharge and contract discussions with GFL for waste services. The sheriff's office budget was extensively reviewed, highlighting wage increases, health insurance costs, jail operations, and capital expenditures including vehicle replacements and potential funding for a new command van. Commissioners debated the inclusion of a $500,000 federal grant for marine equipment in the budget, ultimately deciding to remove it pending grant award. The meeting also addressed administrative staffing and the potential for an RFP to fill the county administrator position. Several capital improvement projects were discussed, including building repairs, courtroom remodels for ADA compliance, and technology upgrades for commissioners. The board agreed to proceed with finalizing the draft budget binder for public hearing and adoption in the coming months, with further discussions planned on budget details and staffing transitions.