(COLDWATER) – A contract has been finalized to have Frank Walsh become the new Branch County Administrator.

During a special meeting Friday, the Branch County Commission was presented with the contract and approved it. County Commissioner Jon Houtz and Chairman Tim Stoll shared that Walsh will start his new duties soon. ...... {LISTEN}.

The Branch County Commission selected Walsh to be their next County Administrator September 5, after interviewing him and two other finalists.

Walsh, who previously served as the City Manager for St. Joseph and also Cedar Springs, has served for the last 11 years as the Meridian Township Manager. He resigned April 21.

According to a post on the Meridian Township web page, Walsh’s resignation came following an investigation into formal, internal complaints regarding actions taken by Walsh in his role as Township Manager. He is being retained as a consultant for the Township for the rest of 2024.

Bud Norman is retiring as Branch County Administrator after 18 years on the job.