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Crystal Lake late summer sunset

#crystallakemichigan #sunset #benziecounty #upnorthmichigan
November 27, 2024 at 10:05 AM
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Lake Michigan in October
#puremichigan #protectourlakes #benziecounty #inthemitten #sunsetmagic
December 4, 2024 at 8:04 PM
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Benzie County just awarded a massive $7.35 million contract to protect the Point Betsie shoreline, but there's more to the story with significant changes to the project scope!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #EnvironmentalProtection
Benzie County awards $7.35 million contract for Point Betsie shoreline protection; engineering contract assigned to Barr Engineering
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners awarded Walton Contracting a $7,354,875.50 contract for the Point Betsie Light Station Shoreline Protection System, approved change orders that reduce scope and add $611,000 in engineering services, and assigned the contract to Barr Engineering Michigan LLC with reimbursement expected from the Friends of Point Betsie.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 1:53 PM
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SBA officials are stepping in to help Benzie County recover from April's devastating storms with economic disaster loans for affected residents and businesses.

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #DisasterRecovery #CommunityResilience #BenzieCountyDisasterRelief
SBA official tells Benzie County disaster loans available to storm-affected residents and businesses
Patty Hartman of the Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Relief and Resilience told the board on July 21 that economic disaster loans are available to business owners, renters and property owners affected by April storms and that a press release will be issued.
citizenportal.ai
August 1, 2026 at 2:56 PM
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Benzie County's Planning Commission is facing serious allegations of Open Meetings Act violations and payroll irregularities that could shake up the entire board!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #OpenGovernment #PublicParticipation #BenzieCountyPlanning
Planning commission member alleges Open Meetings Act violations; chair to consult counsel
At the Feb. 10 Benzie County meeting, Planning Commission member Jim Evans told commissioners he believes multiple procedural problems — including alleged Open Meetings Act posting violations and payroll irregularities — require board attention; Chair Vance Bates said he will consult Mr. Figura and report back in March.
citizenportal.ai
June 12, 2026 at 11:02 PM
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Benzie County commissioners just approved over $1.5 million in contracts and budget actions to enhance local projects, including vital shoreline protection efforts!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #ShorelineProtection #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #BudgetTransparency
Benzie County commissioners approve contracts, budget moves including Point Betsie shoreline change order
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 9 approved payment of $1,553,324.30 in bills and a series of contract and budget actions, including an $89,300 change order for the Point Betsie Shoreline Protection Project and a $220,000 construction addendum to include Parole and Probation remodeling.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 10:55 PM
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Benzie County is taking big steps forward by adopting a crucial hazard mitigation plan and allocating funds for local mental health and emergency response initiatives!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #EmergencyResponse #MentalHealthReform #YouthEducation
Benzie County commissioners adopt hazard-plan update, approve contract and spending measures
At their Feb. 13 meeting, the Benzie County Board of Commissioners adopted the county's five-year Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved a jail mental-health contract amendment and a deputies' 12-hour-shift agreement, and allocated $20,565 in opioid settlement funds across three local programs.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 10:54 PM
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Benzie County commissioners have taken a significant step in the McCall Jr. case, but residents are demanding transparency on what comes next.

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #LawEnforcementReform #PublicTransparency
Benzie County authorizes counsel after closed session on McCall Jr. case as residents press for settlement transparency
After a closed-session discussion of McCall Jr. v. Benzie County, commissioners unanimously authorized counsel to proceed. Public commenters urged higher law-enforcement standards and asked the board to disclose any settlement decisions and amounts.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 10:18 PM
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Benzie County is making waves with a significant investment in shoreline protection, life-saving AEDs, and new leadership—all approved in a unanimous board meeting!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #ShorelineProtection #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #OpioidSettlement
Benzie County commissioners approve Point Betsie change order, appoint District VI commissioner and authorize AED purchases
At its May 13 meeting the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved Change Order #7 for the Point Betsie Shoreline Protection Project, appointed David Davis to fill District VI through Dec. 31, 2026, and authorized up to $40,000 in opioid-settlement funds to buy 20 LifePak AEDs, among other routine actions.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 10:17 PM
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In a decisive move, Benzie County commissioners voted 7-0 to rescind the controversial Political Activity Policy while approving over $440,000 in bills and vital infrastructure projects.

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#BenzieCounty #MI #EmergencyCommunications #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport
Benzie County commissioners rescind political-activity policy and approve routine bills, grants and infrastructure items
At their Nov. 26 meeting the Benzie County Board of Commissioners voted to rescind the county Political Activity Policy, approved payment of $440,557.63 in bills (one dissenting vote), and authorized a series of infrastructure and grant-support actions including fiber service for the emergency communications tower and security-camera upgrades.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 7:39 PM
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Benzie County commissioners have made significant moves, from converting top deputies to salaried positions to approving a $150,000 boost for the Maples nursing facility and upgrading EMS tech!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyServices
Benzie County commissioners approve pay changes, $150,000 Maples payment and authorize EMS agreement talks
The board voted Oct. 14 to convert three chief deputies to salaried positions, confirm a $150,000 capital payment to the Maples, authorize six new EMS computers and direct administrators to renegotiate intercept agreements with local BLS providers; all measures passed with unanimous votes of those present.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 6:45 PM
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Benzie County's Board of Commissioners just greenlit a $30,000 funding boost for the Village of Beulah's stormwater project and moved the Crystal Lake Outlet Project into the bidding phase!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment #EnvironmentalManagement
Benzie County commissioners approve $30,000 match for Beulah stormwater project, advance Crystal Lake Outlet bid
At their Nov. 12 meeting, the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved multiple unanimous motions including a $30,000 matching contribution to the Village of Beulah for stormwater work, acceptance of final plans and authorization to bid the Crystal Lake Outlet Project, several contracts and appointments, and a closed-session personnel evaluation.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 6:35 PM
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Benzie County leaders are considering a "Headlee reset" that could restore millage ceilings and reshape local funding, but will it gain community support?

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityTrust #VoterEducation #TaxReform
Benzie County leaders discuss "Headlee reset" to restore prior millage ceilings; ISD portion would need five-county vote
At a special Oct. 30 meeting, Benzie County officials and township representatives reviewed a proposal to restore prior millage ceilings (county 5.29 mills, townships 1.21 mills, ISD 0.27 mills) so the county could levy up to those amounts in future budgets; Northwest Education Service’s 0.27 mill would require coordinated approval in five counties.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 5:25 PM
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Benzie County is paving the way for progress by accepting a $400,000 SPARK grant to enhance the Betsie Valley Trail and eyeing federal funds for future expansions!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CommunityTrails #CitizenPortal #GrantFunding #InfrastructureDevelopment
Benzie County accepts $400,000 SPARK grant and seeks federal RAISE funding to pave Betsie Valley Trail
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution accepting $400,000 in Michigan DNR SPARK grant funds for Phase 1 paving of the Betsie Valley Trail and authorized applications for federal RAISE funding for phases 2 and 3, authorizing the chair and county administrator to sign related documents.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 5:24 PM
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Benzie County takes a major step forward by approving $36,000 for early-childhood services and a whopping $2.25 million in budget amendments to support local initiatives!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #VolunteerInvolvement #CitizenPortal #BenzieCountyEarlyChildhood #CommunitySupport
Benzie County OKs ARPA support for early-childhood programs and $2.25M in budget amendments
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved $36,000 in ARPA funding for countywide early-childhood professional development and food assistance, plus three budget amendments totaling $2,246,725 for ARPA and capital projects; board members also heard an ARPA‑supported Homestretch housing update.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 5:14 PM
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Benzie County is gearing up for a pivotal vote on August 6, 2024, with two crucial millage proposals affecting operations and senior services on the ballot!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #VoterParticipation #CitizenPortal #CommunityFunding #LocalGovAI #BenzieCountySeniors
Benzie County places general operating and senior-services millages on August ballot
On May 14, the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2024-012 to alter the duration of the county general operating millage and Resolution 2024-014 to put a senior services millage before voters on the Aug. 6, 2024 primary ballot.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 5:13 PM
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Benzie County Commissioners are reshaping grant coordination and personnel policies while approving significant budget amendments—what's next for the community?

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#BenzieCounty #MI #EmergencyMedicalServices #CitizenPortal #GrantCoordination #BudgetTransparency
Benzie County commissioners approve ad hoc committees, EMS clinical agreement and dispatch budget amendments
At its June 25 meeting the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved several routine motions including appointing ad hoc committees on grants and personnel, naming the county administrator as grant coordinator, approving an EMS clinical agreement, and authorizing $23,805 in dispatch-related budget amendments.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 5:12 PM
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Benzie County commissioners made significant strides in public safety by approving crucial technology upgrades, vehicle purchases, and new dog-license regulations.

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PersonnelPolicy #CommunityRecycling
Benzie County commissioners approve equipment purchases, personnel policy changes and new dog-license rules
At its Feb. 10 meeting the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved a jail server and camera upgrade (not to exceed $50,000), a detective vehicle purchase (up to $43,000), multiple budget amendments and personnel policy updates, and adopted Resolution 2026-008 on dog license expirations.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 3:11 PM
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Benzie County has approved a $585,000 settlement following a motorcycle accident claim, aiming to sidestep future litigation costs.

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #LegalTransparency #CommunitySafety #BenzieCountyLitigation #PublicAccountability
Benzie County approves $585,000 settlement in pre‑litigation Wenkel claim
After a closed session under MCL 15.268(1)(h), the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved a $585,000 settlement in a pre‑litigation claim by David Wenkel stemming from a July 3, 2023 motorcycle crash; the board said the payment avoids future litigation costs and is not an admission of liability.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 12:34 PM
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Benzie County Commissioners have officially opposed the state’s request for proposals on public behavioral health services, signaling a major shift in local governance.

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#BenzieCounty #MI #BenzieCountyBehavioralHealth #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthServices #CommunityWellbeing
Benzie County commissioners vote to oppose Michigan DHHS behavioral-health RFP
On Sept. 23, 2025, the Benzie County Board of Commissioners voted 6–1 to authorize the county to oppose the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' request for proposals for public behavioral health services; the board will send a letter documenting its position to Centra Wellness and other governing bodies.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 12:33 PM
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Benzie County's Board of Commissioners just made pivotal decisions on a major settlement, new salaries, and crucial public safety purchases—what's next for the community?

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #TransparencyInGovernance #PublicSafety
Benzie County board reaffirms McCall settlement, approves magistrate pay and public‑safety purchases
On Feb. 25 the Benzie County Board of Commissioners voted to re‑enact a settlement in Johnny Ray McCall Jr. v. Benzie County, set a magistrate salary, and approved purchases including an ambulance and three patrol vehicles; a commissioner voted against reaffirming the county administrator’s litigation role.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 11:29 AM
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Benzie County is making waves with a $40,000 annual commitment to boost local economic development while also approving significant funding for essential services and infrastructure!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicFinance #CommunitySupport
Benzie County board accepts audit, amends fund policy and commits $40,000 a year to economic development
At its May 27 meeting in Beulah, the Benzie County Board of Commissioners accepted the 2023–24 audited financial statements, amended the county’s fund balance policy, and committed up to $40,000 annually for up to five years to support economic development services performed by the Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 11:27 AM
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Benzie County is gearing up for a pivotal election with two crucial millage proposals on the ballot this November—will you make your voice heard?

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety #BenzieCountyEmergencyServices #BudgetTransparency
Benzie County places two millages on Nov. 5 ballot, approves budget and contract measures
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 13 approved ballot language for an ALS millage and a jail operations millage for the Nov. 5 general election, scheduled a public hearing on the 2024/25 budget and approved several budget and contract actions including a Marine Patrol extension and a Recycling Coordinator contract.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 11:01 AM
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Benzie County is investing up to $2.65 million to enhance emergency communications with a new tower, ensuring faster response times for law enforcement and emergency services!

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#BenzieCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityCommunications #PublicSafety
Benzie County approves up to $2.65 million for emergency communications tower
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners unanimously accepted Motorola Solutions' proposal for an emergency communications tower, authorizing a project not to exceed $2,650,000 to be funded from the county's capital projects fund and waiving competitive bidding.
citizenportal.ai
March 12, 2026 at 8:54 AM