County News
Appointments are still available for the bimonthly Community Blood Drive, to be conducted on Thursday, October 5, 2023, in the Lower Level Community Meeting Room, from 12:30-5:30 p.m.; link to book an appointment is listed below:
https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/151378
Leelanau County is seeking qualified candidates for the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney position. More information is available on the Employment Opportunities page.
The Leelanau County Land Bank Fast Track Authority is seeking proposals from interested and qualified vendors for an Environmental Consultant and for Blight Elimination Grant Reporting for a demolition project under the State Land Bank Authority Blight Elimination Grant. More information can be found on the County's Bid/Vendor info page: https://www.leelanau.gov/bids.asp
Sealed bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023.
The Suttons Bay Rotary Club will be collecting eyeglasses (prescription, readers and prescription sunglasses) at the Leelanau County Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics collection on Monday, September 25 at the HHW/Electronics Collection in Peshawbestown.
NOTE: all appointments are FULL for this collection – appointments slots are open for the final HHW/Electronics collection in October in Elmwood Township. Link for appointments.
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners is currently conducting work sessions to review and prepare a budget for fiscal year 2024.
Documentation currently under review is available on the Finance page under the "Budget" tab - https://www.leelanau.gov/pages6867765.asp
All Budget Work Session meeting documentation can be found under the Board of Commissioners > Meetings > Committee Meetings tab - https://www.leelanau.gov/boccommmtg.asp
What is Compost? Why should I compost? How do I Compost? Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Speaker- Kate Thornhill, founder and caretaker of Leo Creek Preserve.
LOCATION: Government Center, Lower Level Community Meeting Room
DAY/TIME: Thursday, September 28, 9AM-11AM
NO COST but reservations are appreciated: please email planning@leelanau.gov for reservations.
Leo Creek Preserve is a space open to the public with an educational focus on soil. Thornhill regenerated the agricultural area at Leo Creek entirely by compost and has studied composting for 8 years so many people came in to ask about compost. She is fascinated on how plants require nutrients, how plants access them, and the soil food web. She has studied and practiced most composting methods, including compost tea and vermi composting.
Sponsored by the Leelanau County Solid Waste Council
Preparing for a Big Project: Identifying when “we need help!?” and implementing an escrow policy.
Leelanau County Government Center
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Everyone Welcome!
Snacks/light refreshments
NO COST! PLEASE RSVP:
231-256-9812, or planning@leelanau.gov
August 7, 2023
RE: Recent property fraud attempts have been reported in Leelanau County
We have all heard about property being fraudulently sold and Leelanau County is no longer immune to this activity. Recent property fraud attempts have been reported to the Leelanau County Register of Deeds by some property owners. These attempts have been stopped when it was brought to the owner’s attention their property was fraudulently listed.
If you see a neighbor’s property up for sale, inquire with the owner. The digital age has not only made real estate transactions go more quickly it has also made it easier for these predators to commit these kinds of crimes. Leelanau County Register of Deeds has continued to require wet ink signature deeds, and not allowed digital recording for this very reason; making it harder for predators to commit these crimes.
Leelanau County Register of Deeds also has a Fraud Notify Service in place at no cost to the property owner. When you subscribe online, Fraud Notify will send you an automated email alert when a document is recorded under the name(s) you register.
- For more information, please visit the following link for a detailed flier – https://www.leelanau.gov/downloads/leelanau_fraud_alert_2_08072023.pdf .
- To sign up, please click the following link – https://leelanaucountymi-recordersch.tylerhost.net/recorder/eagleweb/fraudGuardSignup.jsp .
Please feel free to contact our office (231) 256-9682 or email rod@leelanau.gov with additional questions.
Jennifer L. Grant
Leelanau County Register of Deeds
Please visit the "Fraud Guard" page on the Register of Deeds page for additional information - https://www.leelanau.gov/howdoia.asp?rid=194
Got an opinion on Michigan’s roads? The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is seeking input from Michigan residents on the status of our state’s infrastructure.
MIC is currently developing a 30-year Integrated Infrastructure Strategy to “build a comprehensive, integrated asset management approach to help the state, regions, local governments, and asset owners make informed strategic decisions and wise investments in infrastructure which will serve as a foundation for the future.”
In order to do so, MIC is conducting a survey about Michigan’s roads, broadband infrastructure, stormwater systems, utilities, etc. They are asking the public to weigh in so they can develop their priorities moving forward.
Hazardous waste such as batteries, oil, electronics, etc. do not belong in the garbage or your local recycling site. To properly dispose such items and more, contact the Planning Department for an appointment for 2023 collections. Collections are for Leelanau County Households only and by appointment. Costs for these collections are covered under P.A. 69 of 2005 - a charge placed on Winter Tax Bills.
For more information, questions and/or to schedule an appointment for a future Household Hazardous Waste, Electronic and Document Shredding collection, or for information and appointments for tire and mattress recycling - call (231) 256-9812 or email planning@leelanau.gov
An update on the Broadband Expansion Project within Leelanau County was provided to the Board of Commissioners during its January 17, 2023, Regular Session - https://www.leelanau.gov/downloads/presentation_boc_lift_broadband_01172023.pdf
Please visit the following link for more information on the upcoming broadband coverage projects in your area -
Any questions can be directed to the following email address - broadbandproject@leelanau.gov
Commissioner District maps effective January 1, 2023.
The Commissioner for each District is nominated in the August 2022 Primary and elected in the November 2022 General Election.
For more information regarding the South Bar Lake Drainage District's proposed options and results of the scope meeting, please visit the following link - https://www.leelanau.gov/lcdcddsbl.asp
Please forward your comments to levans@leelanau.gov for review by the Drain Commissioner
In partnership with Tyler Technologies, the Leelanau County Register of Deeds Office is offering a free service - Fraud Guard.
Fraud Guard is a tool that helps protect you or your business from being the victim of
property fraud. It can simply alert you to any property, mortgage or real estate activity in
Leelanau County associated with a name(s) that you select. Once you register for the
free service, you will receive an email notice whenever the name you are monitoring is
on a document that has been recorded in this county.
Please click on this link - https://www.leelanau.gov/howdoia.asp?rid=194 to sign up.
The Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission has received a grant from the Child Care Innovation Fund to help establish more infant & toddler child care businesses in Leelanau County.
More information is listed on the poster at right - or call 231-942-4537, or visit www.leelanauearlychildhood.org
The Drain Commissioner has released preliminary conceptual designs for the Lake Bluffs Drainage District, which can be found at the following link: https://www.leelanau.gov/lcdcddlb.asp
Please click here to see the latest on the Official results, as reported for the November 2, 2021 Special Election and City General Election in Leelanau County.
The Leelanau County Government Center has a "retired US Flag" receptacle within the double doors of the front entrance.
For more information on how to get vaccinated for COVID-19, please visit the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department's homepage - https://www.bldhd.org/
The Benzie/Leelanau District Health Department is currently scheduling COVID Vaccination appointments for those included in Phase 1B (including, but not limited to):
- First Responders
- Corrections Staff
- School Employees
- Child Care Workers
- Citizens 65 years old+
COVID-19 Vaccine Sign-Up Form link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=OU8ELMhU3kuPzesR6ujfWimrahLx0sFFlkZCnSlZgJVUQjFPRVBWT084Mk1BMkdHTFFXMUFWRlpCWC4u
PLEASE NOTE: There will not be a formal acknowledgment email or phone call confirming you have signed up for the vaccination.
COVID-19 Questions Form link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=OU8ELMhU3kuPzesR6ujfWimrahLx0sFFlkZCnSlZgJVUOVlWODVYQVYySUJYTEpNOTRTSEdCVVVMRi4u
Volunteer Information:
- Greeters & Runners – assist with general functions at the clinics; greeting patients, assisting with paperwork, directing foot traffic, stocking supplies, etc.
- Vaccinators – qualified individuals licensed to administer vaccines
- Vaccine Assistants – monitoring patients post vaccine, assist with scheduling booster appointments
Steps to Enroll as Volunteer:
- Register with Michigan Volunteer Registry - https://www.mivolunteerregistry.org/
- Complete Volunteer Form for BLDHD - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=OU8ELMhU3kuPzesR6ujfWimrahLx0sFFlkZCnSlZgJVUQVgwMTg2WFdEMUdCSVk0VFpOMTRDUURHNS4u
Aging Hotline (where seniors can obtain information on where vaccines are currently available): (231) 715-5557
Local Public Health Information Hotline: (231) 882-2197
State Public Health Information Hotline: 1-888-535-6136 or email COVID19@michigan.gov
Munson Healthcare COVID-19 Hotline: (231) 935-0951
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners during its August 18, 2020, Regular Session, Approved Leelanau County Resolution #2020-014, "A Resolution to Condemn Racism in Leelanau County."
The full text of the resolution can be viewed on the September 15, 2020, Regular Session Meeting Page: https://www.leelanau.gov/meetingdetails.asp?MAId=1976
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners during its September 15, 2020, Regular Session, Approved Leelanau County Resolution #2020-015, "A Resolution to Recognize the First Day of October as Indigenous Peoples Day."
The full text of the resolution can be viewed on the September 15, 2020, Regular Session Meeting Page: https://www.leelanau.gov/meetingdetails.asp?MAId=1986
Due to the recent rise in COVID-related illnesses, the Leelanau County Government Center will be open by appointment only beginning Wednesday, November 18.
Not sure where to vote? The County's GIS department has created a map of all polling locations, including Commissioner Districts. Please visit the following page - https://www.leelanau.gov/howdoia.asp?rid=199
Following the directives of the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office, the Hon. Marian Kromkowski has issued a "Phase One Plan", which focuses on the obligations to protect the health of litigants, judicial branch employees, and the public, while still providing essential services.
A complete copy of the plan can be found on the following page: https://www.leelanau.cc/downloads/probate_family_ct_phase_one_06012020.pdf
https://www.leelanau.cc/downloads/statementofvotescastrpt_5.pdf
by Michelle Crocker
The Building Safety Department has posted important information relating to COVID-19 on its webpage - https://www.leelanau.cc/concodes.asp
The 24-Hour Crisis Help Line is 1-833-295-0616
Call if an individual is -
- Experiencing out of control behaviors that place him/herself at risk of harming themselves or others;
- Expressing thoughts of suicide;
- Experiencing severe stress that is resulting in a significant decline in daily and/or family functioning, or
- You just don't know what else to do.
United Way of Northwest Michigan has a 24/7 Information and Referral service for our area. Dial 211 to get connected or text your zip code to 898211.
Tuesday Office Hours for Veterans Affairs Services have been suspended until further notice, due to COVID-19.
Please contact the Grand Traverse County Veterans Affairs Office directly for any questions or concerns - http://www.co.grand-traverse.mi.us/995/Veterans-Affairs
HASTA NUEVO AVISO
Para los clientes del Tribunal de Distrito 86, las áreas de Criminal / Traffic / Civil y Probation Clerk estarán cerradas al tráfico peatonal pero estarán disponibles por teléfono.
Para obtener información más detallada, consulte lo siguiente:
https://www.leelanau.cc/downloads/lettersized_covid_poster_spanish_1.pdf
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
For clients of the 86th District Court, the Criminal/Traffic/Civil and Probation Clerk areas will be closed to foot traffic but will be available by phone.
For more detailed information, please visit the following page - https://www.leelanau.cc/downloads/covid_poster_03162020.pdf
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners Approved a Resolution in Appreciation of First Responders
The Veterans Affairs Office has announced a new, free program available for eligible Veterans who are experiencing hearing loss issues; more information on the Heroes With Hearing Loss Program can be obtained by visiting the Veterans Affairs page - https://www.leelanau.cc/veterans.asp
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Leelanau County Treasurer: Keeping families in their homes is my top priority As Leelanau County Treasurer, keeping families in their homes is one of my top priorities. Over the past several years, we have worked hard to prevent tax foreclosures with 2017 remarkably having none. Help is available for Leelanau County homeowners struggling to pay delinquent property taxes. At the Treasurer’s office, we’re here to help the residents of Leelanau County navigate and qualify for different assistance programs. If you or someone you know has delinquent taxes from 2015 or earlier, I urge you to reach out to us so that we can help you stay in your home and set up a payment plan to get your back taxes paid. Hardship extension For qualifying homeowners with two or more years of delinquent property taxes, we offer hardship extensions in order to prevent foreclosure. This gives families the option to work with us to come up with a monthly payment plan to become current and prevent property tax foreclosure. In addition, we offer multi-year payment plans. These new plans, together with a hardship extension, gives families that are struggling financially an opportunity to escape the cycle of barely avoiding foreclosure year-after-year, and give them peace of mind knowing that their home is safe. Veterans For 100 percent disabled veterans, an exemption from property taxes on a primary residence is available and can save disabled veterans thousands of dollars on current and future years property taxes. Please contact the Leelanau County Veteran’s Affairs Office at 231-256-9711 for more information. Credit card payments To make it easier and more convenient to pay delinquent property taxes, we offer online and phone payment via credit card. You can also come into the office and pay with your credit card. Go to the Treasurer’s website at www.leelanau.cc/treasurer and click on “Pay Delinquent Taxes Online.”
If you have delinquent property taxes and fear you may lose your home, please contact my office. Whether it’s applying for assistance, working on hardship extensions to help pay off delinquent property taxes, or navigating available resources, my team is on hand to help homeowners in any way we can. Our mission is to serve you and we will continue to fight and work hard to help Leelanau County families stay in their homes. StepForwardMichigan.org Step Forward Michigan still has millions of dollars for qualified homeowners who are struggling with back taxes and back mortgages. Please visit: stepforwardmichigan.org for more information. Getting help Residents can call the Treasurer’s office at 231-256-9838, email us at treasurer@co.leelanau.mi.us, or go to our website at www.leelanau.cc/treasurer to get more information or set up an appointment. |
| Key Words: Delinquent Taxes |
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners recently held a Committee of the Whole Session to hear presentations from other agencies relative to septic systems and water quality.
A "Guide for Leelanau County Homeowners" is available for review on the Clean Water homepage - https://www.leelanau.cc/lcw.asp
Effective January, 2018, The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office has designated R.E. Risk & Associates to conduct all property foreclosure sales within Leelanau County.
More information is available on the LCSO page - https://www.leelanau.cc/foreclosuresales.asp
Did you know there is currently an outbreak of HEPATITIS A? Food handlers can pass this infection to others when preparing and serving food. You can protect yourself and others by getting the HEPATITIS A Vaccine.
Call the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department at 231-256-0200 to schedule an appointment to get your vaccine.
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners during its September 19, 2017, Regular Session, approved County Resolution #2017-012, "A Resolution to Recognize the First Day of October as Indigenous Peoples Day."
A PowerPoint presentation by County resident Robin Carden is available for viewing - http://www.leelanau.cc/downloads/indigenous_peoples_day_rev_09272017_r_carden.pdf
A signed copy of the Resolution is available on the Resolutions and Ordinances Page - http://www.leelanau.cc/downloads/indigenous_peoples_day_cr_2017_012.pdf
The NEW 2017 Leelanau County Plat Books are in - you can make purchase arrangements through the Conservation District, 231-256-9783, or by visiting - http://www.leelanaucd.org/2017-plat-books/