Grand Traverse County commissioners will consider approving seven members of a new pension board created to monitor the county's pension debt, provide feedback and guidance on managing it, and submit regular updates to county officials and staff on the status of the county's pension fund.

Commissioners already approved the formation of the board itself, which will consist of seven members serving two-year terms, including the chair or vice chair of the board of commissioners, the county administrator (or designee), the county finance director, the elected county treasurer, and three members of the public who have backgrounds in finance or investment. County Administrator Tom Menzel, County Finance Director Jody Ludquist, Board Chair Christine Maxbauer and County Treasurer Heidi Scheppe will fill the first four seats. The recommended public appointees - which will require commission confirmation - include Robert Zimmerman, Christopher Radu, and Michael Gillman.

"We had a number of interested and qualified candidates (apply for the board)," Menzel wrote in a memo to commissioners, noting an ad hoc committe helped select the nominees. "I was told the decision on who to recommend by the ad hoc committee was not an easy one."

Commissioners will consider confirming the board members at their September 7 meeting at 6pm at the Governmental Center.