Benzie County board approves tax-limit committee, financial hardship policy and several routine measures

On March 10 the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved a package of administrative and policy items, including creation of a Tax Limitation Advisory Committee, adoption of a one-year financial-hardship deferral policy from foreclosure for the treasurer’s office, a Recycling Surcharge Waiver Policy, approval to apply for 2% Tribal Council funding for Mid-Michigan Honor Flight and routine bill payments.

Commissioner Rhonda Nye moved and Commissioner Tim Markey seconded to adopt Resolution 2026-010 to alter the fixed separate tax limitation and to create a County Advisory Tax Limitation Committee, reappointing members as outlined in a March 4, 2026 memorandum from the county administrator; the resolution is effective April 1, 2026. The board approved payment of bills from Feb. 20 through March 5, 2026, totaling $616,996.67 on a unanimous roll-call vote (one commissioner excused).

Commissioner Len Mathieu moved and Commissioner Tim Markey seconded to approve the One-Year Financial Hardship Deferral from Foreclosure Policy dated March 5, 2026; the motion rescinded prior related policies. County Treasurer Kelly Long said the office is engaged in settlement work and that about 30 parcels remain with roughly three weeks until foreclosure. Commissioner Gary Sauer moved, Commissioner Bob Roelofs seconded to approve a Tribal Council Allocation 2% grant application for Mid-Michigan Honor Flight and to authorize the chair to sign; that motion passed as well.

The board also approved the Recycling Surcharge Waiver Policy. All votes on these items were recorded as unanimous with Commissioner Christina Trigg excused. The minutes show some discussion and staff briefings, but the board set no new referendum dates beyond previously noted ballot actions.