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Barry County Board elects Jackson chair, Hatfield vice chair; adopts rules and schedules
Summary
At its Jan. 2 organizational meeting the Barry County Board of Commissioners elected David Jackson chair and David Hatfield vice chair, adopted amended board rules and the 2025 meeting schedule, confirmed committee appointments, and heard public comment about Mental Health Board interviews.
The Barry County Board of Commissioners elected Commissioner David Jackson as board chair and Commissioner David Hatfield as vice chair and completed routine organizational business at a meeting on Jan. 2, 2025 in the Commission Chambers.
Clerk Sarah VanDenburg called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., took roll call (seven commissioners present; Mike Callton absent) and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The board approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Commissioner Jon Smelker, seconded by Commissioner David Hatfield; the motion passed unanimously with Callton absent.
During the leadership elections, Commissioner Jon Smelker nominated David Jackson for chair, seconded by Bob Teunessen. The board adopted Resolution #25-01 (moved by Catherine Getty; seconded by David Hatfield) to elect Jackson as chair. A roll-call vote recorded ayes from Marsha Bassett, Bruce Campbell, Catherine Getty, David Hatfield, David Jackson, Jon Smelker and Bob Teunessen; Callton was absent. Clerk VanDenburg then relinquished the meeting to Chair Jackson at 9:02 a.m.
Chair Jackson opened nominations for vice chair. Commissioner Bob Teunessen nominated Commissioner David Hatfield, supported by Commissioner Catherine Getty. The board adopted Resolution #25-02 to elect Hatfield vice chair (moved by Teunessen; seconded by Smelker) with the same roll-call result: all present voted yes, Callton absent.
The board adopted amended Rules of Procedure and Regulations under Resolution #25-03 (moved by David Hatfield; seconded by Bob Teunessen). The roll-call vote on that resolution was Ayes — Marsha Bassett, Catherine Getty, David Hatfield, David Jackson, Jon Smelker and Bob Teunessen; Nay — Bruce Campbell; Absent — Mike Callton. The motion carried.
Chair Jackson presented his committee appointments; the board confirmed those appointments on a motion by Commissioner Catherine Getty, seconded by Commissioner Jon Smelker. The board also approved the attached 2025 meeting schedules for the Committee of the Whole and the Board of Commissioners (moved by Bob Teunessen; seconded by David Hatfield); both motions carried on roll call with Callton absent.
In the limited public comment period, Mark Bonsignore of Barry Township raised concerns about the sensitive nature of interviews for Mental Health Board applicants. No formal action followed from that comment.
Commissioners offered brief remarks welcoming new Commissioner Marsha Bassett. Chair Jackson announced that the board will tour the Branch County jail on Jan. 14 and said, "The focus for 2025 will be on a new jail in Barry County." Commissioner Bob Teunessen noted that new windows are being installed in the old Friend of the Court building. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
Records: The board adopted three resolutions during the session: Resolution #25-01 (election of chair), Resolution #25-02 (election of vice chair) and Resolution #25-03 (adoption of board rules). Vote tallies for each resolution are recorded in the official minutes.
