TIFTON — The search for a new city manager is underway, following discussion at a recent Tifton City Council meeting.

With City Manager Pete Pyrzenski relinquishing his position to take on the role of member consultant with the Georgia Municipal Association, City Council deliberated over potential candidates for an interim city manager, as well as how to select them, at a special called meeting Sept. 22.

Mayor Julie Smith clarified that the interim city manager would indeed be a temporary replacement, only holding the position for a span of 90 to 120 days.

Councilman Jack Folk recommended Michael Stewart to fill the position, citing he had a great deal of prior experience in similar positions with several city and county governments across Georgia.

Smith seconded the recommendation, noting she had received glowing reviews of Stewart’s skill as well.

However, she said Stewart is occupied with a project out of state, but she has been in contact with him and expected to receive a proposal with his expectations soon.

She requested Stewart’s appointment, should City Council be interested in hiring him, be postponed until the city had ample time to review the proposal. She said Stewart should be finished with the project by early October.

Smith announced that she had been contacted by the Mercer Group, a Georgia-based consultation firm interested in assisting in the interim city manager search.

The organization had been recommended by both the GMA and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, as well as various other Georgia mayors and municipalities, Smith said.

The Mercer Group would tance by interviewing each member about their goals and desires for Tifton, as well as reviewing and evaluating recommended candidates, to select the ideal candidate for the position of interim city manager.

Both the authorization of the Mercer Group’s assistance in the executive leadership search and the continuation of Smith’s discussions with Stewart were approved 4-1, with Councilman Lester Cromer opposing both decisions.