The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved the county budget for 2025.

At its regular meeting Thursday, the board approved the spending plan that it was briefed on last week. The budget will require the county to draw on its reserves to the tune of $20 million next year.

Commissioner Julie Wuerfel had some thoughts about the budgeting process Thursday. She suggested to colleagues it’s too short.

“I think an eight day process for this board, with our primary duty being the budget, an eight day process — three hours of the committee meeting on Wednesday to the 20 minute…in the committee of the whole last week,” Wuerfel said. “And then one week later, we’re approving a budget of $250 million. I think that process should last longer with this board than eight days.”

Wuerfel said she’s not advising a return to the days of holding three-day budget hearings, but she would like a little more time for discussion.

The 2025 Berrien County budget anticipates total expenditures of $250 million and revenues of about $230 million.