In a major reversal, the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to allow a public vote on a millage for farmland preservation. In a 4-3 vote, the Commissioners decided to put the measure on the ballot but to delay the review of the ballot language for a month.

Commissioner Hawley, Save Leelanau Farmland president George Wellman, County Administrator David Gill and a county attorney will finalize the ballot language including the date for the vote.

There was a large turnout of local farmers and residents who spoke in support of farmland preservation during the public speaking time period. Some who spoke against the proposal to put the measure on the ballot felt the program would not work well. Save Leelanau Farmland presented information from a survey showing that land use issues are the most important topics of concern for the public. The organization also presented data that shows that 70% believe the millage (0.5 mills/15 years) should go to the public for a vote.

Don Coe of Black Star Farms spoke about how the agricultural and tourism industries are linked so that saving farmland is an important part of encouraging prosperity in Leelanau County.

Commissioners Melinda Lautner of Solon, Mark Walter and Jean Watkoski of Elmwood voted against the measure. Commissioners Hawley, Buneck, Schliffet and Tonneberger voted yes.