It’s official.

Judie Ratering (right) was sworn in as St. Joseph County Treasurer Friday afternoon in a ceremony conducted by County Clerk Pattie Bender. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Judith L. “Judie” Ratering is the new St. Joseph County Treasurer.

County Clerk Pattie Bender conducted the swearing in ceremony for Ratering at 4 p.m. Friday (February 3rd) in the hallway outside the Treasurer’s Office on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse in Centreville.

Members of Ratering’s family were among those on hand to witness the oath taking that followed action last week by the Statutory Committee to fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation of Phyllis Bainbridge, effective January 31st.  Bainbridge cited illness in announcing her resignation.

Ratering, 52, spoke briefly following the swearing in and said, “I’ll do the best job I can for the people of St. Joseph County and I intend to uphold the duties and the responsibility of the County Treasurer.”  (Judie Ratering audio clip – :25)

Ratering’s appointment as County Treasurer represents a bit of a “homecoming” since she served as Deputy Treasurer for almost 12 years before leaving her employment with the county in 2001 to work in the private sector.  Most recently she has been a mortgage lender at Southern Michigan Bank and Trust.

Members of Judie Ratering's family were on hand for the swearing in ceremony. Shown from left to right are Arlean Ratering (mother-in-law), Charlie Ratering (husband), Judie Ratering, Susan Fenwick (sister), and Ralph and Nancy McGlothlen (parents). (Click on photo to enlarge)

Ratering will serve the remainder of Bainbridge’s term which runs through the end of the year.   She will receive an annual salary of $58,568, the annual salary paid to Bainbridge.

The treasurer’s position will be filled for a four-year term in the November 6th election.  Ratering has indicated her intention to run for the office.