Joe Witte is the new DeWitt County Board Chair and Chris Hammer and Robb Walters were sworn onto the board Monday in a special meeting to re-organize.

Witte takes the place of Dan Matthews who resigned from the board at the end of his term. Terry Ferguson was named the Board Vice Chair. No other nominations for either position were presented and both were approved unanimously. Witte appreciates the support of his 11 fellow board members.

For Witte, economic development will be something he looks to make a priority as the Board Chair. He explains a good chunk of money went to economic development from the sale of the Clinton Lake Marina and he wants to see to it those funds get put to good use.

Coming up, the County anticipates several retirements as well as some other vacancies they will have to fill. Witte believes those will be some key roles they need to find good replacements for.

Witte has also set his committee assignments already. Terry Ferguson will chair the property committee, land use will continue to be led by Buck Carter, public safety will be chaired by Megan Myers once again, while Jamie Prestergaard will continue to chair the road and bridge committee and all the committee chairs will be a part of the finance committee, led by Melonie Tilley. 

Last month, former Chairman Matthews mentioned a committee for a compliance and IT Board. Because it is not in the County's ordinances yet, Witte did not make any announcements regarding it but suggested later this month, they could have a board formed for it. 

Witte leads his first County Board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19.