COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Commissioners made appointments to various boards during their Tuesday afternoon meeting.
Following the recent controversy involving the selection of a Branch County Department of Veterans Affairs Director, there was a considerable amount of interest to serve on the V.A. Board with seven nominees for two positions.
The Commissioners appointed Thomas Lothamer to fill a four year board position that ends in 2028 and Andrew Labadie was named to serve a partial term position on the board that expires at the end of 2027.
Long time V.A. Director Charles Scott intended to retire at the end of the year but rescinded his retirement after the search for his successor turned messy.
As for the other boards, Gordon Gentry, John Petzko and Janis Olney were re-appointed to the Commission on Aging Board.
Jeffrey Kelley was re-appointed to the Department of Public Works Board. Robert Mayer was named on a 3-1 vote over Julie Wood to fill an expiring position on the Road Commission Board.
Susan Brooks was re-appointed to the Library Board. Debbie Lounds-Bowers and Sharon Atkinson were re-appointed to the Planning Commission Board.
In other business, the Commissioners formally approved a contract for 2025 with Branch County Memorial Airport Manager Joe Best. The contract agreement called for a $6,000 salary increase to $24,000 for the position which is considered part time.
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