14-04-2025
Where the search for the next Ottawa County administrator stands
OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Ottawa County is resuming the search for a permanent county administrator this week.
It's one of Michigan's fastest growing counties. According to the 2024 census, Ottawa County has 306,000 people. But for over a year, it hasn't had a permanent county administrator.
The county website lays out how important the job is. The administrator supervises day-to-day activities, leads and manages board initiatives and manages the county's financial health.
'The administrator is essentially the CEO of the county,' Commissioner Jordan Jorritsma, a Republican, explained.
Ottawa County board picks former sheriff as interim county administrator
John Gibbs was the last to have the job. He was selected by Ottawa Impact when the group and made sweeping changes. Gibbs was ultimately fired in February 2024 following several misconduct allegations that he denied. He ultimately sued the board. The county settled with him for $190,000, a decision that received strong pushback from Ottawa Impact-affiliated commissioners. Gibbs now works in the Trump administration as a principal deputy assistant secretary for the Policy Development and Research division of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He also worked for HUD during Trump's first presidency.
Interim administrators have come and gone since Gibbs' departure. Jon Anderson, a candidate for sheriff last year, filled the role on an interim basis before ultimately stepping down. Deputy Administrator Benjamin Wetmore temporarily stepped in before he reached a severance agreement with the board in December.
Former Sheriff Gary Rosema has been steering the ship this year. He doesn't plan on staying long-term.
'It's been an interesting process where we really haven't had stability in the administrative office,' Commissioner Doug Zylstra, a Democrat, said. 'I think since we brought in Gary Rosema, we have had some stability.'
In a job like this, Jorritsma says you need consistency.
'We need someone qualified who is able to stay in that spot and build relationships, who knows what they're doing in order to make sure our county is running as smoothly and effectively as possible,' he said.
The next county administrator will make between $200,000 and $260,000, according to the job description shared with commissioners last week. The firm that's leading the search process said the plan is for in-person interviews to begin in early June. A candidate would be picked by the end of that month. That person would then start at the end of July or early August.
Former board chair admits 'mistakes,' but says Ottawa Impact stuck to principles
'We're looking for someone that's going to be able to be a voice for everyone in the county and be able to work with everyone on the board, not just on the board, but also in the building here on staff,' Jorritsma said. 'It's something we've struggled with over the past couple of years, but I'm optimistic the right person is out there and they're going to apply.'
The board remains divided on some issues, with four commissioners affiliated with Ottawa Impact and seven who are not. Zylstra acknowledges whoever gets the job will have to be able to work with everyone.
'This county is changing and growing,' Zylstra said. 'This is not the county it was 20 years ago, and this is not the board it was 20 years ago.'
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