Benzie County delegates inland lake-level monitoring authority to deputy drain commissioner

The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on June 23 adopted Resolution 2026-018, shifting the county’s delegated authority under Part 307 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Act to the deputy drain commissioner.

Commissioner Rhonda Nye moved to adopt the resolution, and Commissioner Christine Trigg seconded. John Ransom of the Conservation District, Deputy Drain Commissioner Craig Dixon and Troy Hinds of the Benzie County Road Commission answered questions during the discussion that preceded the vote. The roll-call vote was six ayes, none opposed; Commissioner Tim Markey was excused.

The resolution transfers the county’s delegated Part 307 authority to the deputy drain commissioner and gives the chair authority to work with the Drain Commissioner to establish a long-term lake-level monitoring solution to be returned to the board for approval. Discussion on the item included presentations from local conservation and road commission staff about inland lake monitoring issues and operational responsibilities.

The board’s action does not itself enumerate specific operational steps; it authorizes the chair and the Drain Commissioner to develop and present a long-term approach for board approval. The meeting record indicates the county sought to consolidate delegated decision authority to the Drain Commissioner’s office under Part 307, as reflected in the adopted Resolution 2026-018.

The board took the action as part of its June 23 regular session and adjourned later that day.