It’s all quiet on the Leelanau front as swords seem to be holstered at the Leelanau County Government Center.
But a minefield doesn’t announce itself. It waits for the ordinary weight of an ordinary day.
Leelanau County Commission Chair Steve Yoder, took the opportunity during “commissioner comments” Tuesday night to address the tension in the room.
“Recently, I’ve been very disturbed with some of the accusations that have been swirling around ... One thing I’ve learned in my tenure in public office is that it rarely ever accomplishes anything, but creates tension and division,” Yoder said. “As a county, we have seen our fair share of turmoil, but we take it on as a challenge, rather than pointing fingers ... I can’t stress the importance that we, as citizens of Leelanau County, lay down the swords and focus on Leelanau first. I urge all public, staff, and especially this board to take a strong look at how we can be better leaders ” he said.
Disturbed by recent leaks, firings, among other differences; a somber tone was felt at the meeting.
Like after a fight at the dinner table.
“We have to do our job, stay focused, and provide a positive outlook,” Yoder said.
The followed several public comments focused on praise and turning the temperature down of what has been a hot summer.
On Aug.4, an email from resident Gary Hosking accused Leelanau County Commissioner Rick Robbins of misconduct that exploded at last week’s Tuesday’s executive session.
Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher, has formally informed the full county board that her movements were tracked.
Nothing was further noted about possible investigations into Robbins, or Cypher, regarding a separate credit card investigation.
But the September waves await.
In other business during Tuesday’s meeting the board called out its auditing service saying some tests were not run properly, despite receiving the highest mark on its recent audit.
Leelanau County Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher said the Clark Schaefer Hackett firm missed some test they thought they haven’t run.
“Per direction from the Board of Commissioners, the County will continue its engagement with Clark, Schaefer, Hackett (CSH) for audit services. County Administration and Finance will collaborate with CSH to define strategic objectives for the 2026 audit, ensuring a thorough review of critical financial processes. This effort reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and responsible financial stewardship,” Cypher said.
Clark Schaefer Hackett responded with no comment.
The firm delivered two formal reports in late July, plus a set of letters, covering the year that ran from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. The headline finding was an unmodified opinion, the cleanest a financial audit can produce: no findings, no errors, no adjustments made to whatever numbers the finance team handed over.
The firm said this is a pretty normal shape for a county’s books: capital assets dominate, restricted funds are always the thinnest slice, and unrestricted sits somewhere in between.
District 6 commissioner Gwenne Allgaier said communication is important if something is wrong.
“Jumping from one company to another year-to-year. Talk to them about what they didn’t do and seem to be incapable and after a couple of years could change,” Allgaier said and District 4 commissioner Ty Wessel added.
“It’s a good practice to maintain same monitoring for 2-3 years but not too long,” Wessell said. “They are respected and done a lot of municipalities.”
Wessell also cautioned questioning vendors, especially in public.
Leelanau County has a long history of good audits.
District 5 Commissioner Alan Campbell opposite defended the idea examining the audit more thoroughly.
“I would say I don’t have a problem looking for another auditor. I don’t think it looks bad and might reflect more highly and looking for a more strict (guidance). “he said.
