Administrator announces Finance Director on paid leave; commissioners debate disclosure

Leelanau County Administrator Jim Dyer told the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 that Finance Director Ms. Hartesvelt has been placed on paid administrative leave and that he is serving as acting finance director while confidential discussions about Finance Department staffing and formatting continue.

"We may… are continuing some discussions regarding the formatting and staffing of the Finance Department," Dyer said, adding he expected to have a resolution in the coming days and that he would remain reachable through staff while out of the office.

Commissioners asked questions about how the situation has been handled publicly. Commissioner Ty Wessell said the release of disciplinary information earlier in the week was inappropriate and could put the county at legal risk. "The release of information this past week was ill advised and irresponsible," he said, urging the board to discuss how sensitive personnel information is handled going forward.

Dyer told commissioners the Finance Department completed year-end filings and required grant reports and that deputy staff have continued routine functions. He also said the county has attempted to fill a second account-clerk position and that several offers in recent weeks were declined; additional interviews were scheduled.

Board members emphasized different priorities: some urged caution about public disclosures during personnel matters, while others pressed for clarity about how long the interim arrangements would last and how ongoing work would be covered. The meeting record shows no formal board action taken on Ms. Hartesvelt's status at this session.

Next steps recorded in the meeting minutes: Dyer said he would continue consultations with Ms. Hartesvelt and expected to report back within a few days; the board did not schedule a vote or public hearing on the personnel matter at this meeting.