Berrien County Treasurer Stepping Down

bretwitkowski2
bretwitkowski2

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski is stepping down. He tells WSJM News after 16 years as the county treasurer, plus the years he served on the county commission, he’s decided it’s time to move on to the private sector.

“It just felt like after 20-plus years here, I think I’ve done the best I can,” Witkowski said. “We’ve tried to help people stay out of foreclosure. This, I think, is the right time because the deadline to apply is at the end of April, and so that gives people the opportunity to run for the office.”

Witkowski’s last day will be April 5.

“I’m going to stay through the foreclosure process, which is March 31, and then make sure that the last of the invoices are sent out on April 5, and then just go from there. As time goes on, everybody does their own thing, and I’m just fortunate to have done this. I’m thankful for the people and the staff.”

Witkowski says he always tried to treat everyone equally and with compassion. He points to the payment plans he’s set up with hundreds of property owners who were in danger of having their properties foreclosed as an accomplishment during his time as treasurer. Witkowski will be moving on to work in asset management for Abonmarche. He hopes people will continue to donate to the Hopeful Home Fund at the United Way as a way to help out homeowners in trouble.