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Benzie County commissioners approve hardship‑deferral policy, road bond resolution and multiple public‑safety contracts
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Summary
On April 22, 2025, the Benzie County Board of Commissioners adopted a one‑year Financial Hardship Deferral from Foreclosure policy, approved Resolution 2025‑012 to place a Road Commission facility bond on the Nov. 4 ballot, and authorized several public‑safety agreements and budget adjustments, while also approving $18,000 for the Betsie Valley Trail paving project.
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on April 22 approved a package of policies, contracts and funding measures, including a new one‑year Financial Hardship Deferral from Foreclosure policy and a resolution sending a Road Commission facility bond to the Nov. 4, 2025 general election.
The board unanimously approved the April 17, 2025 One‑Year Financial Hardship Deferral policy and rescinded prior policies; Treasurer Kelly Long answered commissioner questions during debate. Commissioner Trigg offered minor language tweaks and Commissioner Nye asked that eligibility be contingent on the property not being deemed blighted.
Why it matters: The hardship deferral allows eligible property owners a temporary deferral from foreclosure proceedings under the county’s updated policy; the board did not set a levy or tax change as part of this item.
The board also adopted Resolution 2025‑012 to submit a Road Commission facility bond proposal for placement on the Nov. 4 ballot and authorized engagement letters with Miller Canfield and Bendzinski & Co. if voters approve the bond. Commissioner Nye read the ballot language into the record; the county administrator said an approved levy would not begin until 2027.
Public‑safety and operational approvals included: declaring a Sig Sauer .40 service weapon surplus and authorizing its sale with proceeds to buy replacement weapons; approving summer sheriff patrol agreements with the Village of Beulah, Crystal Beach Cottages and Lake Township; a memorandum of agreement with Peak Leadership Consulting for training for the Sheriff’s Office and Central Dispatch (not to exceed $5,950); and a budget amendment of $6,868.70 to the Equipment Replacement Fund related to the sale of a patrol vehicle. Sheriff Bob Rosa and 911 Director Cory Ellis answered commissioner questions on these items.
The board approved a two‑year site lease for a Frankfort recycling location, accepted SRP Design Studio’s proposal to update the county Parks and Recreation Plan (not to exceed $13,315), and authorized up to $18,000 from the General Fund Fund Balance for road work on Richards Road as part of the Betsie Valley Trail paving project, with cost share and in‑kind work by Benzonia Township and the Road Commission.
Votes at a glance (selected items): • Approve bills ($587,484.47): Roll call — Ayes: Jeannot, Markey, Nye, Roelofs, Sauer, Trigg; Excused: Warsecke (motion carried). • Adopt One‑Year Financial Hardship Deferral policy: Roll call — Ayes: Jeannot, Markey, Nye, Roelofs, Sauer, Trigg; Excused: Warsecke (motion carried). • Adopt Resolution 2025‑012 (Road Commission bond to ballot): Roll call — Ayes: Jeannot, Markey, Nye, Roelofs, Sauer, Trigg; Excused: Warsecke (motion carried). • Approve Peak Leadership Consulting agreement (≤ $5,950): Roll call — Ayes: Jeannot, Markey, Nye, Roelofs, Sauer, Trigg; Excused: Warsecke (motion carried). • Allocate up to $18,000 for Betsie Valley Trail road improvements: Roll call — Ayes: Jeannot, Markey, Nye, Roelofs, Sauer, Trigg; Excused: Warsecke (motion carried).
Quotes: Emergency Management’s Rebecca Hubers noted, “If you see a volunteer, recognize a volunteer because they are what makes Benzie County great.” Cory Ellis, 911 director, presented the Central Dispatcher of the Year award and said of recipient Janet Engler, “She goes above and beyond every single day, leading with professionalism, teamwork, and heart.” Mayor JoAnn Holwerda of Frankfort thanked county partners, saying, “Especially Commissioner Nye for her 2‑hour negotiation to make this happen.”
What’s next: If voters approve the Road Commission facility bond in November, the county anticipates any levy to begin in 2027. Several administrative contracts and budget amendments approved at this meeting will be implemented by the respective county departments; board motions were subject in some cases to legal counsel approval of final agreement forms.