COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Administrator Frank Walsh wants the county to pursue the hiring of a Finance Director.
He is scheduled to pitch his idea to the Branch County Board of Commissioners during their work session on Thursday.
He noted in his memo to Commissioners for Thursday’s meeting that the county operates an $80 million annual budget with no oversight from an experienced finance director or Certified Public Accountant, something that Walsh feels is an aberration.
He says the total annual cost would be $130,000 which would include a salary of between $90,000 and $98,000 plus $35,000 in benefits.
Walsh is suggesting using $50,000 currently in the budget to hire a part-timer to eliminate the county’s microfilm documents. He says the position has been in the annual budget for several years without being filled.
Walsh also wants to use $50,000 which is annually paid to Rehmann of Grand Rapids to prepare audit materials saying that is the responsibility of the Finance Director and it should be brought in house.
In addition, Walsh wants the Finance Director to oversee the Building and Equalization departments. Walsh is proposing the building department contribute $25,000 per year to cover the management of the department.
Walsh wants the Finance Director to be in place by the middle of April if it’s approved by the Commissioners.
I agree with Frank Walsh on much of his proposals. I am not so sure there should not be some auditing on past years budgets again. However, any decisions of who the certified public accountant or finance director should be must not be recommended by anyone associated with the board members. This will only lead to allegations of impropriety. I suggest seeking recommendations from outside sources.