OLIVE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Dec. 11, 2024) – As 2024 ends, Ottawa County Government is without an operational leader.
During Tuesday’s biweekly business meeting, the county board twice adjourned into closed sessions to discuss personnel matters, which is allowed under the state’s Open Meetings Act. After each instance, the governing panel emerged to approve a separation and release agreement, first with Administrative Aide Jordan Epperson, and later with Interim Administrator Ben Wetmore. No public discussion was made prior to each vote, and no details as to what led to these decisions, or what the agreements entail, were immediately forthcoming.
Both Epperson and Wetmore were hired last year by then-Administrator John Gibbs, who was dismissed from his position this past February 29th. Jon Anderson had been named interim administrator in March, but resigned in October. Efforts to name a new operational leader broke down when both finalists withdrew their names from consideration, and a new county board will be charged with appointing an administrator as one of their first responsibilities when it takes over in January.
One commissioner who won’t be a part of that is Roger Bergman, as the Grand Haven Republican is retiring from public office.
The Ottawa County Board has a special meeting set for next Thursday at the Fillmore Street Complex (12220 Fillmore St.).
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