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Finance director's retirement prompts budget update and short-term hiring plan, commissioners say
Summary
Berrien County's finance director, Douglas D. James, will retire July 25, 2025; the finance committee reported the county is in good fiscal condition, plans a 2024 budget amendment, and will seek short-term outside consulting plus begin hiring to fill the vacancy.
The Berrien County finance committee reported on the county's fiscal condition and next steps following the announced retirement of Finance Director Douglas D. James.
Committee members said Doug James presented a fiscal update through June 30, 2025, showing the county in good condition on revenues and expenditures. The committee noted a budget amendment for 2024 remains to be completed; the amendment is intended to reconcile year-end figures and will be presented to the board.
James' retirement is effective July 25, 2025, per the resolution read during the meeting. The finance committee told commissioners it expects to hire short-term outside consulting assistance to cover immediate needs during the vacancy; three local consulting firms had applied to provide that support. The committee also reported about 16 applicants have applied for the permanent finance director position and that multiple county departments will participate in the vetting and interview process to recommend finalists.
Commissioners said James has agreed to return on a part-time basis to assist the county through the transition; the finance committee and county staff will prepare the budget amendment and a resolution to authorize any short-term contracting for consulting assistance.
