TIFTON — City leaders searched nationwide to find the best candidate for city manager but say they discovered the best candidate was here at home.

Emily Beeman, acting city manager, was named unanimously by the Tifton City Council as the sole candidate for the position.

Mayor Julie Smith said the city had been working with Mercer Group, a management consultant firm, for the past several months to find suitable candidates across the country, but ultimately deemed Beeman the best choice due to her passion, reliability and potential, city leaders said.

Smith said due to being a municipal government, the city is required to announce its finalists, then hire the primary choice for the position after two weeks, provided the candidate is willing to work for Tifton.

As Beeman is the only finalist, the two-week period will be spent negotiating the terms of her employment.

Smith said Beeman will receive support and guidance from the Georgia Municipal Association and other city managers who will mentor her, and asked city residents to make their needs and requests known to her and the rest of City Council so they can better serve the community.