UPDATE: In a swift and uneventful meeting on January 13, 2026, the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors confirmed that Jake Hackman will continue as chairman for a second consecutive year. The meeting, which lasted only 30 minutes, saw Hackman retain his position without opposition, receiving a 4-1 vote against fellow supervisor Steve Breitbach.
The board’s organizational meeting revealed minimal changes heading into the new year. Scott Cerwinske remains the vice-chair, although he will step down from the Cedar Lake Improvement Council, an entity that is set to disband in 2025. All committee assignments will remain unchanged as the board gears up for its upcoming budget discussions.
One of the notable discussions during the meeting involved adjustments to the county’s reimbursement policies. Supervisors agreed to increase the mileage reimbursement rate from 70 cents to 72.5 cents per mile, aligning with the latest Internal Revenue Service guidelines. Additionally, they established a new cap for meal reimbursements, allowing up to $50 per day for county employees who are outside county lines for more than four hours on official business.
The board also announced key reappointments, including Roman Lensing as county engineer, Keith Elenz as Veterans Affair Administrator, and Chad Humpal as both weed commissioner and landfill director.
Moving forward, the urgency shifts as supervisors will begin working diligently on the 2026-27 budget starting Monday. All departments, including the county attorney, sheriff, auditor, medical examiner, and the Board of Supervisors, are required to submit their budget proposals by January 15.
As these developments unfold, the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors will be under scrutiny to ensure efficient management of county resources during this critical budgeting period. The community is encouraged to stay informed as more updates emerge regarding the board’s decisions and the implications for local governance.
