If you’ve ever wondered how people end up serving on various boards and advisory panels and thought to yourself, “Hey, I could do that,” you’re right. In fact, the opportunity is at hand right now to join one of several boards that Berrien County has vacancies on that need to be filled.
As a result, the county is reaching out in search of volunteers to fill those vacancies. Here’s what they are looking for at the moment:
- The Community Corrections Advisory Board has a vacancy for a Business Community member. The purpose of the Community Corrections Advisory Board is to develop and implement the Berrien County Community Corrections Comprehensive Plan. Membership is outlined in Public Act 511. The board meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month quarterly. Location varies.
- The Public Works Board has a vacancy. The primary purpose of the Board of Public Works is to provide assistance in financing the municipal water, sewer, and storm systems within the County. Membership consists of the Drain Commissioner in addition to six other members. The term for the Public Works Board is three years. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 9:30 am at the Berrien County Administration Center, 701 Main St., St. Joseph.
- The 9-1-1 Advisory Board has a vacancy. The purpose of the 9-1-1 Advisory Board is to promote the continued operation of the 911 emergency system, to promote public awareness, to assist County Public Service Access Points (PSAP’s) in providing service to their recipients, and to assist the Berrien County Board of Commissioners by giving advice and making suggestions with respect to the operation of the 911 emergency system. The membership includes four citizens. Meetings are held bi-monthly on Wednesdays at 9:30 am at the 2100 Complex, 2100 E. Empire Ave., Benton Harbor. The term of the appointment would be for three years.
- The Land Bank Authority has one vacancy. The Land Bank Authority through the Land Bank Fast Track Act, 2003, strives to strengthen and revitalize the economy of Berrien County by assembling or disposing of public property, including tax reverted property, in a coordinated manner to foster the development of the property and to promote economic growth. The Authority is made up of Berrien County Commissioners, the Berrien County Treasurer, and three persons appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The Land Bank Authority meetings are on the 4th Thursday of each month at 2:00 pm at the Berrien County Administration Center, BOC Room, 701 Main St., St. Joseph. The term of the appointment is for four years.
Anyone interested in serving on any of these boards may contact the Berrien County Administration office for an application at 269-983-7111, ext. 8095 or email akrieger@berriencounty.org. The application is also available on the Berrien County website at www.berriencounty.org (under the Board of Commissioners page and board openings). Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 10, 2019.
