TIFTON — The city council has named Larry Lawrence as acting city manager for Tifton.

During a called meeting Monday, council members unanimously appointed Lawrence to the position to fill the role occupied by Emily Beeman.

Beeman was placed on paid leave July 19, with vice mayor Josh Reynolds announcing this development during the city council’s July 22 meeting. No information has yet been provided on the reason for or the duration of this leave.

Lawrence currently serves as the city’s chief financial officer and will continue to serve in this role alongside his new duties. The city council additionally appointed city clerk Jessica White to operate under him as deputy city manager.

Following the appointment, the council unanimously agreed to authorize Lawrence to execute the contract for the renovations to the bathrooms at Fulwood Park, an item that they had intended on addressing during the meeting.

Mayor Julie Smith asserted that both city employees will have their salaries appropriately adjusted to compensate for their additional work. Optimistic that they would be able to serve the city well, she thanked them for stepping into their respective positions.