Benzie County board adopts Truth in Taxation rate, ratifies union deal and approves workplace, grant and contract actions

BEULAH, Mich. — The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on June 11 adopted a Truth in Taxation resolution to set the county’s general operating millage, ratified a pre-negotiated union employer package, and approved a series of policies, contracts and a $30,000 budget amendment for a Crystal Lake outlet project.

The board convened in the Frank Walterhouse Board of Commissioners Room. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2024-015 after a public hearing on the L-4029; Equalization Director Brianne Lindsey explained the hearing notifies the public of the county’s intent to levy the maximum under the Headlee adjustment. Lindsey told commissioners that failing to adopt the resolution would require the county to levy the adjusted base rate (3.0451) instead of the proposed 3.2960. The roll-call vote was 7–0.

The meeting included a public comment period in which constituents raised concerns about county operating cost increases. Craig Campbell warned that higher operating expenses would not help “housing and employment problems,” and Randy Rice urged caution, saying county finances had previously been represented as solid and that now may not be the time to add operating increases. County Administrator Katie Zeits responded that "the summer tax notice in the paper is not an increase in taxes; we do not have that ability," adding that the notice’s language is set by statute and cannot be altered.

After a closed session under MCL 15.268(c) to discuss collective bargaining negotiations, the board re-entered open session and moved, by Roelofs and seconded by Warsecke, to ratify the Union Pre-Ratified Employer Package Proposal via mediator dated May 30, 2024, and to authorize the chair to sign the successor collective bargaining agreement following labor-counsel review. That motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Other actions approved by the board included making the Infant in the Workplace Policy and Procedures permanent until changed by the board; extending the subrecipient agreement with Venture North Funding and Development for Michigan CDBG loan management; authorizing an interlocal agreement with Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties to conduct material management planning; approving a Nationwide plan amendment to add Income America as a voluntary employee benefit option; and authorizing a $30,000 budget amendment recognizing MDNR Trust Grant revenues and expenditures for the Crystal Lake Outlet project. All motions on the consent and new-business items passed on unanimous roll-call votes.

Elected officials and department heads provided updates. Probate Judge John Mead announced Magistrate Walter Armstrong’s retirement and said applications are being accepted; he clarified that the 85th District Court magistrate must reside within the 85th District (Benzie and Manistee counties), and that a Manistee County resident would require approval by both counties’ boards. Undersheriff Greg Hubers reported a traffic stop that yielded methamphetamine, cocaine and cash, and praised Deputy Dumond and K-9 Omar for recent successful detections.

County Treasurer Kelly Long reported a successful treasurers meeting and that tax season has begun. Administrator Katie Zeits asked commissioners for feedback on a one-page informational piece about a potential jail millage, noted the county recycling event went well, reminded that county recycling bins are for residential use only, and said the courts would be closed for Juneteenth. Zeits also said the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) proposed filming a feature about Benzie County for approximately eight hours at a cost near $26,000; she said she would consult the Chamber about potential funding.

Votes at a glance • Resolution 2024-015 (Truth in Taxation — general operating millage rate): Motion by Nye; second Jeannot. Roll call 7–0; outcome: adopted. • Approve payment of bills ($415,534.20): Motion by Warsecke; second Cunningham. Roll call 7–0; outcome: approved. • Enter closed session under MCL 15.268(c): Motion by Markey; second Cunningham. Roll call 7–0; outcome: approved. • Ratify Union Pre-Ratified Employer Package Proposal (May 30, 2024) and authorize chair to sign successor agreement: Motion by Roelofs; second Warsecke. Roll call 7–0; outcome: approved. • Adopt Infant in the Workplace Policy and Procedures (permanent): Motion by Warsecke; second Cunningham. Roll call 7–0; outcome: adopted. • Extend subrecipient agreement with Venture North for Michigan CDBG loan management: Motion by Jeannot; second Markey. Roll call 7–0; outcome: approved. • Authorize interlocal agreement for material management planning (Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau): Motion by Cunningham; second Warsecke. Roll call 7–0; outcome: approved. • Approve Nationwide plan amendment adding Income America (voluntary employee benefit): Motion by Jeannot; second Warsecke. Roll call 7–0; outcome: approved. • Budget amendment — MDNR Trust Grant for Crystal Lake Outlet project ($30,000): Motion by Warsecke; second Nye. Roll call 7–0; outcome: approved.

The board received correspondence on lake elevation reports and several commissioners provided written and oral reports on recent township and committee activity. The meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.