09292026_BOC_Budget Work Session

Leelanau County Board of Commissioners budget work session, September 29, 2026: The board reviewed 2027 budget rules, staffing, and proposed allocations. It approved revised budget-rule language, including clarifying that purchases through government contracts count under the county’s bid process. The discussion also covered a proposed in-house grounds-maintenance staffing change, with mower quotes of about $11,000 and $12,000 and projected net savings of roughly $104,000; the board supported moving ahead with the staffing plan. A proposal to raise elected officials’ and deputies’ salaries all at once, costing $78,460, failed; the transcript indicates a three-year phase-in was then considered, but does not clearly establish the final vote. The board approved $34,925 for Northern Lakes Community Mental Health and $40,000 for Brownfield activities. It also discussed an estimated $80,000 for Leland Dam monitoring and setting the strategic-plan budget at $35,000.

Procurement and capital items included jail lighting and access-control replacements: bids had been received and were under review, with costs discussed at approximately $386,000 depending on the selected proposal. Staff were asked to examine available inmate-housing funds, possible 2% grant support, and other funding, and return with options in October. The board supported budgeting an audio-visual improvement project for 2027 and pursuing additional 2% funding; it also discussed replacing four motor-pool vehicles. A government-tower project, special-event deputy fees, and a take-home vehicle policy were discussed without final decisions. For Leelanau Clean Water, the board supported seeking grant funding rather than committing general-fund dollars.