There’s new leadership in Isabella County, with a new administrator and two new commissioners joining the board.
Brian Smith officially stepped into the role of county administrator in early December, succeeding Nicole Frost. Frost and county commissioners faced criticism over budget issues.
Severe financial cuts were necessary, in part, because of an asbestos problem forced the closure of the county building, requiring the county to rent alternative spaces during renovations.
Among the most significant cuts was the reduction of 20 positions in the sheriff’s office road patrol, leaving only the sheriff and undersheriff on duty.
Smith, with a background in public administration, brings experience as a liaison for Union Township, where he regularly reported to the county board and attended board meetings.
He said this has given him a solid understanding of the county’s most pressing challenges.
The county board held its first meeting this week under Smith’s leadership, setting new bylaws and schedules to address the critical issues ahead.
“I think the residents, I think they want law enforcement, they want road patrol back. I think that is number one. I think number two is what are we going to do with the administration building? How are we going to pay for that? county building? Those are the two things that are kind of hanging out there that the citizens are most concerned about,” said Smith.
The board’s two new members joining the other five on the Isabella County Commission are Bob Campbell and Steven Weber.
Other new changes to the board, Frank Engler has been named as the new chair of the board of commissioners, taking the role over from Tobin Hope. Hope will now serve as co-chair.