Katie Kocijanski is reporting in the Register-Star the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors has chosen Jim Mackerer as its new chairman. Acting chairman Sidney Richter will now serve as vice chairman. Both men are retired bankers. Bob Galluscio, of Shallo, Galluscio Bianchi & Fucito, will continue as treasurer and Hudson Supervisor Sarah Sterling will serve as secretary. All four officers will serve through the end of the year and a new slate will be elected in January, said F. Michael Tucker, interim executive director for the Columbia Economic Development Corporation. At the same meeting, the board also adopted its 2016 budget. Among the increases in the spending plan: Application fees paid to the agency for projects will be raised to $3,000, and administrative fees will nearly triple to $36,000. Tucker also reported contract negotiations with Columbia County continue. If that agreement is approved by the county Board of Supervisors, funding to the agency will be restored. Read the full story in the Register-Star.