GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to consider a resolution March 4 that would delegate specific authority over inland lake levels to Drain Commissioner Andy Smits. The measure would authorize Smits to oversee maintenance, advice and dam inspections through the end of 2026.
The delegation is governed by Part 307 of Public Act 451 of 1994, a Michigan law that sets the duties for counties to maintain “normal levels” of lakes established by court orders. County officials noted that no such delegations are currently effective, leading to the request for Smits’ assistance in complying with state obligations for Duck Lake and Silver Lake.
The resolution specifically addresses Duck Lake, located in Green Lake Township. The Grand Traverse County Board of Supervisors originally established a special assessment district in Feb. 1960 to construct a dam and control the lake’s water levels. The 13th Circuit Court has since issued orders requiring the maintenance of those levels.
Silver Lake, which sits within Garfield and Blair townships, is also included in the delegation. A special assessment district was created for Silver Lake in Oct. 1986 to maintain a high-water level and promote drainage. Like Duck Lake, a dam was constructed there to help meet court-ordered lake level requirements.
The board is also seeking Smits’ counsel regarding Elk and Skegemog lakes, which border Antrim, Kalkaska and Grand Traverse counties. On Dec. 17, 2025, the board requested Smits’ advice regarding a June 1971 resolution that allegedly tasked Antrim County with establishing normal levels for those bodies of water.Under the new measure, Smits will facilitate required dam inspections and handle administrative filings to the state for the Duck Lake and Silver Lake dams. These tasks are not standard obligations for a drain commissioner under the state’s Drain Code of 1956, but Smits indicated he is willing to accept the role. The resolution states that Smits is “amenable to said limited duties and remains dedicated in service to the citizens of Grand Traverse County.”
The delegated authority and service period are scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2026. The Board of Commissioners may choose to relieve the commissioner of these duties earlier through official action.