COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Administrator Frank Walsh spelled out to County Commissioners during Thursday’s work session that he wants a balance 2026 budget and that the general fund balance will not be touched unlike in past years.
He also does not want structural deficits in the budget which are one-time funds to help balance a spending plan but are not available in future years.
A rough version of the over $80 million proposed budget is scheduled to come before the county’s management team in the middle of September and to the Commissioners on October 9.
It will be reviewed two weeks later on October 23 with proposed special fund budgets, staffing and appropriations being presented at that meeting.
The required budget hearing will be conducted during the Commissioners November 12 meeting.
Final action on the proposed spending plan is scheduled for November 25.
Walsh wants an ongoing wage study to be implemented into the 2026 budget and he feels another big issue is courthouse security.
Walsh is also proposing a budget stabilization fund in order to increase the county’s general fund balance over the next several years.
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