Two Democrats are seeking their party’s nomination for the post of Leelanau Township treasurer.
Linda Szarkowski, owner of Green Spirit Living Microgreens, is the coordinator for the Leelanau Farmers Markets.
She has been a homeowner and year-round resident since 2015.
Szarkowski volunteers in the community as well as volunteer in my community as well as several third world countries.
Jolisa Ugalde, 34, is the deputy treasurer under longtime treasurer Denise Dunn, who did not seek reelection.
She is part of a migrant family and has lived and worked in Leelanau County since age 15. Ugalde and her husband have four children who attend Northport Public School.
The winner of the Aug. 6 primary election will be unopposed in November.
We asked the candidates three questions and limited length to 75 words apiece.
Here are their responses: 1.) With the retirement of Denise Dunn comes a loss of more than 25 years of experience. This leaves big shoes to fill. If elected, what experience will you bring to the position of Leelanau Township treasurer?
SZARKOWSKI: As a small business owner for over 15 years, I have experience in all aspects of running a business. I also have financial and organizational experience in over 10 years as a contract administrator for a real estate developer. I have government experience as a mayoral appointed Special Service Area commissioner in Chicago overseeing expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy. I currently serve as treasurer for two local nonprofi ts.
UGALDE: I am currently the township deputy treasurer. I was deputy clerk from August 2019 until June 2021.
During that time, I had daily interaction with Denise. I became deputy treasurer in June 2021. Denise has been my supervisor since.
2.) Leelanau Township is seeking a four-year 3.1-mill levy for fire and rescue purposes in November. If approved, in the first year alone, revenue of $1,717,457 is expected to be generated. How is this going to adequately fulfill the township’s needs going forward?
SZARKOWSKI: While lowering the mill levy from 3.5 to 3.1 sounds like a good thing for taxpayers, after touring the facility and learning about the rising costs for needed equipment, I am not sure it will adequately fulfill the needs of the township’s most important department. Purchasing equipment outright is financially advantageous over financing purchases. Investing our tax dollars wisely in interest-bearing accounts would help to alleviate tax increases in the future.
UGALDE: The current board voted to ask the voters to approve the 3.1 mill levy. This a reduction from the maximum allowable 3.5 mills. The fiscal year 2025 budget unanimously adopted by the current board anticipates revenue of $1,843,212 of which $1,742,212 is property tax revenue. Fiscal year 2025 budgeted expenditures are estimated to be $1,840,880. The board believes the anticipated revenue will adequately fund the township’s fire and rescue operation for the fiscal year.
3.) With new technology/software in place to help manage the township books, how will you ensure you’re using the software to the best of you abilities?
SZARKOWSKI: While this software is new to Leelanau Township, other county treasurers have been using it for years. While speaking with them I have been assured the customer support from BS&A is top notch. I have a degree in computer programming, and have worked as a programmer and systems analyst for several years; I am confident that I can learn this software system.
UGALDE: As the lead person assigned to convert the township software from Fund Balance to the new BS&A software we started the conversion in September 2023. The new software is now being used for the townships accounting, billing, record keeping and state reporting. Our accountant has audited our FY 24 budget. Our books are balanced between the clerk’s and treasurer’s offices for the first time in years.
