Williamstown Town Manager Stepping Down

iBerkshires.com reports Hoch has come under heavy criticism from many community members in the wake of a federal lawsuit that was filed in August against himself, the former chief of police and the town.

On Friday, he said the calls for his firing played a role in his decision to ask the Select Board to negotiate a way for him to leave the post he has held for five and a half years.

Hoch said he will remain in the corner office for 60 days and through the end of May to serve as a resource in the transition process.

Hoch's departure comes a little more than six months after the announcement of McGowan vs. Williamstown, a federal discrimination lawsuit that alleged racism and sexual misconduct within the Williamstown Police Department.

In mid-December, then-Police Chief Kyle Johnson announced that he was leaving the department.