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Commissioner Evan Warsecke resigns; county staff outline vacancies, postal changes and broadband work
Summary
The board accepted Commissioner Evan Warsecke’s resignation effective April 25, 2025, the county administrator outlined open positions (EMTs, paramedics and other roles), RFPs for station expansion and raised postal service and federal funding concerns for local social programs.
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on April 22 voted to accept the resignation of Commissioner Evan Warsecke, effective April 25, 2025. County Administrator Katie Zeits read the resignation letter to the board and commissioners voted to accept it with regret. The appointee to fill the vacancy will serve only a partial term and must run in 2026 for the remainder of the term.
Administrator Zeits provided several operational updates during her report: county recruitment is underway for EMTs and paramedics, a District Court/Probation Clerk, and various advisory committee vacancies; an RFP for Station 3 expansion was published; and the county is coordinating with joint court personnel regarding use of a gym facility.
Zeits also informed commissioners that the Beulah and Benzonia post offices will no longer guarantee overnight mail service and that afternoon pickups have been eliminated, meaning departments must use Grawn or Interlochen post offices for guaranteed overnight mail. She said the post office changes were reported to be permanent.
On funding and programs, Chair Art Jeannot and Zeits flagged threats to federal funding for Early Head Start and Meals on Wheels programs and said they have been meeting with elected officials and community leaders. Zeits provided a broadband BEAD grant presentation and noted concerns about the proposed statewide 'Axe My Tax' initiative and a state audit potentially affecting local court records and maintenance‑of‑effort costs.
Public comment during the meeting included a request from Eric VanDussen for the board to seek MMRMA litigation management protocols, status reports and lists of approved attorneys related to the county’s Henry litigation; commissioners said they would follow up with the county administrator.
What’s next: The board will process the resignation and begin an appointment process for the partial term. County staff will continue recruitment and follow up on postal and broadband issues raised during the meeting.
