09222026_BOC_Budget Work Session

The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on September 22, 2026, focusing extensively on budget allocations, staffing levels, and capital improvement planning. Key procurement-related discussions included a detailed presentation by Enterprise on vehicle life cycle management, recommending leasing and replacement strategies for county fleet vehicles, particularly for the sheriff's department and building safety division. The board debated leasing versus purchasing vehicles, with considerations of maintenance costs, resale values, and budget impacts. Staffing level adjustments were also discussed, notably the addition of one full-time deputy to restore previous staffing levels and the proposed elimination of the TNT position as a separate authorized role. The board considered changes to the facilities director position, proposing a transition to a maintenance director role with revised job responsibilities and pay grade. Additionally, the creation of a GIS coordinator position was approved, upgrading an existing GIS analyst role to better reflect expanded duties. The board also deliberated on policy changes regarding vacancy reviews and hiring freezes during the budget process, with legal counsel clarifying the limits of board authority over administrative hiring decisions. Overall, the session involved motions and votes on staffing and budget line items, vehicle procurement strategies, and organizational structure changes impacting future county operations and expenditures.