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BERRIEN COUNTY — Berrien County Treasurer Shelly Weich today announced her plans to seek re-election for a second term.  Weich will be on the ballot in the Republican Primary on Aug. 6.

“Serving the public, helping taxpayers, and protecting taxpayer dollars have been my mission since starting in the Treasurer’s office 17 years ago,” Weich said.  “With the constant changes in property tax laws and having experience in handling all of the issues a Treasurer faces is important for the residents of Berrien County,” she added.

Weich started in the Treasurer’s office in 2007.  She was brought in to audit primary residence exemptions, which is a huge issue in Berrien County with the high number of second homeowners.  

“As the result of our work, Berrien County schools received millions of dollars because of the discovery of invalid exemptions,” Weich stated.  

That program continues in the office today and generates thousands of dollars for education in Berrien County.  Weich was made a full-time employee and then named Chief Deputy Treasurer in 2010.  She was appointed Treasurer in 2020 and then successfully won the election that year.

Hundreds of Berrien County homeowners who have found themselves in financial hardship have benefited from Weich’s experience and leadership.  

“I am proud of the work we do to assist homeowners who have fallen behind with their taxes,“ Weich said.  “Homeowners want to be informed of their options when they fall behind.  They are sometimes surprised to learn that the Treasurer doesn’t want to see foreclosure, but instead, will work to solve their problem.”

Community outreach and engagement are also a big part of Weich’s service.  

“It’s my job and desire to have an open door when a taxpayer feels there is no hope,” she said.  Weich has had office hours in municipalities across the county to increase access to the office.  “That has been very well received by residents and by municipal leaders,” Weich said.

Weich holds a number of local and state leadership positions.  She is the Chairperson of the County Land Bank, Vice Chair of District 7 for the Michigan Association of County Treasurers, and also serves as a member of the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association and the Michigan Townships Association.

“It is my honor and privilege to serve the residents of Berrien County as their Treasurer.  I will fight every day to assist taxpayers and work to improve legislation that benefits property owners,” she stated.

A lifelong resident of Berrien County, Shelly Weich resides in Baroda Township with her husband Heath.  They have two grown children.