(COLDWATER) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency's Board of Health has approved a contract renewal for Health Officer Rebecca Burns.

During Monday's special meeting, the Board approved a one year contract renewal for Burns, after a 90 minute closed session to conduct her yearly evaluation. The Board approved the contract on a 5-1 vote, with Hillsdale County Commissioner Brent Leininger casting the lone No vote.

The new contract will run from January 1 until December 31 of 2022. It will give Burns a 10 percent pay raise, which will bring her salary to almost $89,000.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, which lasted almost 30 minutes, several people spoke both for and against Burns.

Monday's special meeting was held after last Thursday's regular CHA Board meeting was canceled after COVID-19 protocols were disputed by members of the audience who refused to wear masks.