Berrien County is looking to fill some vacancies for several boards and committees. County leadership says there are vacancies for The Berrien Mental Health Authority, The Brownfield Authority, The Economic Development Board and the Land Preservation Board.
The Berrien Mental Health Authority (Riverwood Center) provides information, care, and services ranging from occasional counseling sessions to full intervention for severe disabilities or mental illness, providing the choices, the means, the interventions, and supports for optimal mental health and recovery. The meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the Riverwood Center, 1485 S. M-139, Benton Harbor.
The Brownfield Authority was created to revitalize “brownfields,” which are abandoned, underdeveloped or under-utilized properties that are not being developed due to environmental contamination. The authority has broad powers to incur and expend funds to pay or reimburse a public or private person for costs of property redevelopment, to own and sell property, and to enter into contracts and leases. Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Berrien County Administration Center, 701 Main St., St. Joseph.
The Economic Development Board is the issuing authority for Tax Exempt Revenue Bonds for Berrien County. It was established to coordinate economic development efforts, promote business investment and job creation within the County. The board is composed of elected and private business officials. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Berrien County Administration Center, 701 Main St., St. Joseph.
The Land Preservation Board serves as an advisory body to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners with regard to Land Preservation issues. They will advise on the priorities for the purchase of farmland development rights; the price and method of compensation relative to the purchase of such development rights; and apply for state, federal, or other sources of grant funds to assist with the purchase of development rights. The townships included are: Bainbridge, Chikaming, Lincoln, Sodus, Royalton and Berrien. Meetings are convened as needed and therefore, there is no set schedule. When meetings are held, they are typically held during a weekday at the Administration Center, 701 Main St., St. Joseph.
Anyone interested in serving on any of the above named boards may contact the Berrien County Administration office for an application at 269-983-7111, ext. 8095 or email akrieger@berriencounty.org. Applications are available on the Berrien County website at berriencounty.org.
