Following the departure of Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski to the private sector this month, the Berrien County Treasurer Appointment Committee has made the decision to elevate the Chief Deputy Treasurer to replace him through the balance of his current term at the end of the year.
The committee made the unanimous decision this week to select Shelly Weich, of Baroda, to the position of Berrien County Treasurer vacated by Witkowski earlier this month. The Committee comprised of Senior Probate Judge, Mabel J. Mayfield, County Clerk, Sharon Tyler, and Prosecuting Attorney, Michael Sepic, is authorized by statute to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of the long time county treasurer, Witkowski. Weich’s appointment is for the remainder of the current term ending December 31, 2020.
Yesterday, Monday, April 20th, at a scheduled meeting of the committee, County Clerk, Sharon Tyler, made the following motion to appoint Weich.
Shelly Weich brings to Berrien County twelve years (12) years of experience as the current position of Chief Deputy Treasurer, who is currently filling in at this time, as the former Treasurer is no longer employed by the County. I have worked with Shelly as the County Clerk and I know she has a great amount of knowledge and responsibility with the local assessors, treasurers and schools. She has the ability to complete this four-year term of approximately eight (8) months.
Also, due to the pandemic and social distancing it would become difficult to train someone who has had no experience in the Treasurer’s Office.
The motion was seconded by Judge Mayfield after which there was discussion. Discussion included that, given the state of emergency, filing deadlines, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee struggled with the decision to simply appointment a replacement for the short remainder of the term, or proceed with the full application review and interview process. The committee thanks everyone who applied but opted, in light of all circumstances, to appoint a successor today, exercising the statutory authority to do so.
The vote on the motion then passed unanimously.
