The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering its night meeting schedule for the year. Typically, the board meets in the morning on Thursdays, but its bylaws specify it must hold a handful of meetings at night each year. Speaking Thursday, Commissioner Jim Curran said he’s thinking maybe the board can reduce the number of night meetings.
“I’m opposed to a number of night meetings,” Curran said. “I’m not sure they’re productive, and I know it’s an extra strain on the staff, so that’s why I would limit them.”
Commissioner Dave Vollrath agreed, saying the board just doesn’t get as much done on days when the meeting is at night. The night meetings are moved around different locations throughout the county and sometimes feature tours for commissioners. Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough wants to keep them.
“I’d like for us to continue doing the night meetings,” Yarbrough said. “I like it. We get to see buildings. In Three Oaks – that building was awesome – and it’s sad that we don’t have good attendance.”
Commissioner Bob Harrison said the board could consider just holding the night meetings at the administration building in St. Joseph to reduce the burden on staff and make livestreaming possible. Chair Mac Elliott said the bylaws will have to be checked. He said the board can discuss the matter again next month and make a decision then.
