Board of Commissioners

The Benzie County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on September 22, 2026, covering a range of topics including updates on county operations, infrastructure projects, and budget approvals. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a $735,053.29 bill payment, updates on DTE's gas service expansion projects in the county with specific connection costs and timelines, and the delay of the Point Betsy Lighthouse shoreline reconstruction project due to permitting and archaeological requirements, with anticipated change orders related to stone sourcing and project timing. The board approved the renewal of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority insurance coverage with a noted 15% premium increase, partly offset by a $19,846 net asset distribution. The fiscal year 2026-2027 budget was adopted, including capital improvement plans and official salaries, with some items like the L-4029 millage report discussed separately. The board also authorized the chair to sign the Emergency Management Performance Grant agreement for fiscal year 2027. A significant personnel decision was made to move forward with contract negotiations to hire Leslie Bilby as the county administrator, contingent on a background check. Other discussions included millage requests for animal control and drug enforcement, recycling site considerations, and various township and county reports. No new contracts or RFPs were directly awarded during the meeting, but several ongoing projects and budget allocations with procurement implications were reviewed and approved.