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Ottawa County commissioners appoint retired sheriff Gary Rozema as interim county administrator
Summary
The newly seated Board of Commissioners voted 7–4 to name retired Sheriff Gary Rozema interim county administrator, citing his local experience. The board debated process questions and several commissioners voiced reservations about other pending personnel and legal staffing issues.
Ottawa County commissioners voted 7–4 Tuesday to appoint retired Sheriff Gary Rozema as interim county administrator, handing him the post while the board organizes a permanent hiring process.
The vote followed a short presentation by supporters who said Rozema, a longtime county official, would provide immediate operational continuity. Vice Chair Josh Brugger moved the appointment and Commissioner John Kyers seconded the motion. The clerk recorded seven yes votes (Zylstra, Kyers, Joritzma, Brugger, Bonnema, Berry, Tippeples) and four no votes (Wenzel, Moss, Rodey, Miedema); the motion carried.
The board’s discussion emphasized Rozema’s local experience and familiarity with county departments. Supporters said he can begin quickly and help the new commission stabilize county operations while a search for a permanent administrator proceeds. Rozema told commissioners he would serve for a short term and indicated he did not intend to seek the permanent position.
Opponents raised procedural and personnel concerns unrelated to Rozema’s qualifications, including the process used for filling committee appointments and the county’s relationship with its long-time corporate counsel. Commissioner Kendra Miedema and Commissioner Sylvia Rodey urged clearer, more transparent appointment procedures for other boards and commissions; Commissioner Miedema said she could not support related legal staffing choices that had been discussed privately.
Rozema, who served decades in county law enforcement, said he would focus on keeping daily operations steady and supporting staff. Commissioners who voted for him said Rozema already has working relationships across county departments and nonprofit partners.
The appointment is effective immediately. The board agreed Rozema’s arrangement will be short term while they pursue a national search and resolve outstanding questions about committee appointments and corporate legal representation.
Votes at a glance
- Interim county administrator — Motion: appoint Gary Rozema as interim county administrator; mover: Josh Brugger; second: John Kyers. Vote: 7 yes, 4 no. Outcome: approved.
What’s next: The board said it will continue work on a permanent administrator search and verify contract details for the interim role.
