Chair John Block chosen as 2026 chairman; Ballard named vice chair as board adopts bylaws and schedule

The Sanilac County Board of Commissioners adopted its bylaws, rules of procedure and the 2026 meeting schedule and elected its leadership for the year during the organizational meeting on Jan. 1.

Moderator read item NFA-001-26 and a motion to adopt the bylaws and the schedule (first and third Tuesdays, with a statutory exception in April) was moved by Commissioner Ballard and seconded by Commissioner Heberling. The board approved the motion by voice vote. "All in favor, say aye," the moderator said; the board responded and the moderator declared, "Motion is carried." The board then debated the method for electing a chair and chose a voice majority with a roll call.

Nominations opened for chair and Commissioner Heberling nominated Commissioner John Block. A unanimous ballot to cast the vote for Commissioner Block was moved and seconded; the moderator completed a roll call and announced the motion carried. "Congratulations, chairman Block," the moderator said before handing the gavel to Block, who thanked colleagues for their support. The board then took nominations for vice chair and appointed Commissioner Roger Ballard; the motion carried on voice vote.

Why this matters: the board’s organizational decisions set committee leadership and meeting cadence for the year, affecting how and when county business will be scheduled and who will lead legislative and intergovernmental outreach. The clerk will reflect these changes in the official committee rosters and meeting calendar.