COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – 3rd District Branch County Commissioner Don Vrablic of Ovid Township will again serve as chairman of the County Board in 2016. Commissioners Monday morning held their annual organizational meeting and re-appointed Vrablic to the post. It wasn’t unanimous. Commissioner Dale Swift nominated Commissioner Randall Hazelbaker for chairman and they each voted Hazelbaker. However, Vrablic was selected by a 3-2 count after being nominated by Commissioner Rod Olney and supported by Commissioner Jon Houtz as well as voting for himself.
Vrablic believes the County is holding its own heading into 2016. He said they have managed to contain their spending somewhat in spite of revenues taking a hit because of state legislation approved late in 2014 along with cuts in state revenue from the liquor tax. It added up to a reduction of around $200,000 in revenue heading into 2016.
According to Vrablic, the county continues to search for efficiencies to conduct its business. Hazelbaker was chosen Board Vice-Chair for this year.
The commission will continue to holds its regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month starting at 4 p.m.
