Berrien County Leaders Prepare for Possible Baroda Disincorporation

Village leaders form commission to study implications of dissolving local government

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is preparing for the potential disincorporation of the village of Baroda, as village leaders have formed a commission to study the implications of such a move. A signed petition to dissolve the village and have Baroda Township absorb it has been submitted to the village and is under review.

Why it matters

The possible disincorporation of Baroda raises questions about the future of local roads and infrastructure, as well as the broader implications for governance and community identity in the region. The county is developing a policy on accepting roads into the county road system in anticipation of this potential change.

The details

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners met with the county Road Department Managing Director to discuss the potential disincorporation of Baroda. There have been ongoing conversations about what to do with the roads within the village, and the county is preparing a resolution to bring to the full board to prepare for whatever happens. A vote of Baroda residents would be needed to complete any disincorporation.

  • On February 20, 2026, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners discussed the Baroda disincorporation issue.
  • A signed petition to dissolve the village of Baroda has been submitted and is under review.

The players

Jim Curran

Berrien County Commissioner.

Mark Heyliger

Berrien County Road Department Managing Director.

Terri Freehling

Berrien County Commissioner.

Baroda Village

The village that is considering disincorporation and having Baroda Township absorb it.

Baroda Township

The township that would potentially absorb the village of Baroda if disincorporation occurs.

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What they’re saying

“There have been conversations about what to do with their roads within the village. Basically what I told Mark is any conversations he has with them says contingent upon what what the board of commissioners wants to do.”

— Jim Curran, Berrien County Commissioner (wsjm.com)

“We have a practice. We do not have a policy on accepting roads into the county road system. We're developing that policy now.”

— Jim Curran, Berrien County Commissioner (wsjm.com)

“Baroda is only studying the possibility of disincorporation and that it's not a done deal. A vote of residents would be needed to complete any disincorporation.”

— Terri Freehling, Berrien County Commissioner (wsjm.com)

What’s next

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is preparing a resolution to bring to the full board to address the potential disincorporation of Baroda. The county is also developing a policy on accepting roads into the county road system in anticipation of this potential change.

The takeaway

The possible disincorporation of Baroda raises complex questions about local governance, infrastructure, and community identity that Berrien County leaders are working to address proactively. The outcome will have significant implications for the region, underscoring the importance of careful planning and community engagement in such decisions.