Plans to begin budget work

GRANT COUNTY - Carolann Swartz will be the newest edition to the Grant County Board of Commissioners.

She is ahead of incumbent Commissioner LeRoy Allison by 383 votes with only 250 votes left to count today.

The election remained close since the first ballot count on Nov. 4. Swartz's lead became larger as the count continued.

"Oh my goodness, that's a relief," Swartz said when she learned the results Friday.

She said her immediate goals for the position when she takes leadership is to learn about the county departments and work toward balancing the county budget.

"The budget process starts immediately," she said. "That's going to demand my attention."

Swartz said she will work to create open communications with all county departments.

"I'll basically have an open door policy," she said.

Allison has served the position for more than 15 years.

"It's been a real privilege to serve," he said. "I am confident the new commissioner-elect will do a good job for Grant County. I'm excited about Grant County's future. I'm proud of the accomplishments we've done in the past."