Leelanau County administrator outlines finance reorganization, emergency server purchase and recent grievance resolutions

Administrator James Dyer told commissioners the county has filled an Assistant Finance Director position who will start March 23, 2026, and that a Finance Department resolution before the Board seeks to modernize finance operations, including authorization to issue an RFP to replace the county’s server-based accounting software.

Dyer explained that many items in the proposed resolution are within his authority to implement as Administrator and said the resolution is being advanced pursuant to MCL 46.11(m). He described the RFP and the broader plan to "modernize the Finance Department," calling it work many had suggested should have been done years ago.

On IT operations, Dyer said he authorized an emergency purchase of $20,000 to replace a failed backup server to protect department operations.

Dyer also summarized recent union grievances tied to an earlier storm-related staffing decision. He said a grievance from Teamsters Local 214 was resolved by allowing some employees who continued to work to receive four hours of paid time off; other grievances concerning salary calculations and personal day payouts were withdrawn after the Finance Director explained the calculations.

Commissioner Alan Campbell urged the Board to consider whether the long-standing structure and compensation for the Drain Commissioner position should be revisited once the appointment question is resolved—as a separate personnel and organizational question.

The Board voted to move the Finance Department resolution forward to the March 17 full board meeting for final consideration (motion passed 5–1).