St. Joseph County Council elects Dan Schoetzel president after close roll call

Dan Schoetzel was elected president of the St. Joseph County Council at a special meeting on Jan. 7, 2025, after members stated preferences by roll call; the clerk characterized the final tally as 5–4.

The election came at the start of the meeting called by St. Joseph County Auditor Murphy, who noted, "I see that all 9 council members are here." The council then proceeded to nominations and roll-call statements of support for two nominees for president: Dan Schoetzel and Randy Figg.

The council used oral roll call for the contested president race. After members stated their preferences, the clerk announced a close result, saying, "I believe we have 6 to 4 or 5 5 to 4 for Mister Schoetzle," and the council recognized Dan Schoetzel as president. Upon conclusion of the vote, Schoetzel accepted the chair and said, "Thank you," before moving the meeting to the next agenda item.

The council then elected a president pro tempore and a vice president pro tempore. Brian Tanner was nominated and elected president pro tem; the clerk announced the vote in favor of Tanner as 5–4. Mark Catanzarite was nominated and elected vice president pro tem, also with a 5–4 result announced by the clerk.

No other substantive business was conducted. A council member moved to adjourn; the motion carried on a voice vote and the meeting was ended.

The meeting record shows only officer nominations, roll-call preference statements, and votes; no policy items, committee assignments, or ordinances were discussed during the session.