The position of St. Joseph County treasurer was made official Friday during a brief ceremony, when County Clerk Pattie Bender officiated a swearing-in ceremony for Judie Ratering.
A 52-year-old Park Township resident, Ratering succeeds Phyllis Bainbridge, who retired last week due to health reasons. Her remaining term, which runs through the end of the year, will be filled by Ratering.
A former deputy treasurer for the county, Ratering said she plans to seek the four-year term in the November election. Her salary will be the equivalent of about $59,000 annually.