The process to repeal TOST, a Barry Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) regulation, will be implemented following the way it was initiated, with public hearings set in both Barry and Eaton counties, as well as votes on the repeal by both county commissions and the BDEHD Board of Health.Commissioner Ben Geiger, chair of the commission and the Board of Health (BOH) gave the time line Tuesday.

The repeal process was started Jan. 25 by the BOH.

At 1 p.m. on Feb. 20 the BEDHD will hold a public hearing in Hastings.

On Feb.. 28 at 7p.m. in Charlotte, there will be a public hearing followed by a BOH meeting to make a decision. Geiger noted those in Barry County who want to comment without driving to Charlotte may do so from  Hastings through teleconferencing.

The Barry County Commission will vote March 3 whether to support the BOH decision to repeal, and March 21 at 7 p.m., the Eaton County Commission will vote on if they will support the BOH decision, Geiger said.

If all the entities vote to repeal, it will become effective 45 days later on May 5. Asked what would happen if the Eaton County Commissioners did not vote to approve repeal, Geiger promised “major consequences.” Asked to expand on his promise, Geiger said “Read into it whatever you like…I promise you one way or the other, there will be change.”