Milton Selects New City Manager

Former Riverdale city manager Billy Preston Beckett will take over reins, if negotiations are successful

By DOUG NURSE The Atlanta Journal-Constitution http://www.ajc.com/

The Milton City Council tentatively selected their new city manager Monday night, pending successful contract negotiations.

The council voted 7-0 to authorize Mayor Joe Lockwood to try to seal a deal with Billy Preston Beckett, a 30-year veteran of government management, including stints as Fayette County administrator and Riverdale city manager.

Councilwoman Karen Thurman said she hoped Beckett would be on board in a couple of weeks, while Councilwoman Julie Zahner Bailey was more cautious, saying it could be several weeks. Bailey emphasized it would inaccurate to say Beckett was hired until a contract was signed and approved.

But Beckett, who was not present, received universal accolades from the council.
"I think he can take all of our visions and make them a reality," said Councilman Alan Tart. "I think he's a good choice. He brings a lot of experience, and I think he'll be a steady force for the city."

"I feel really comfortable [with Beckett]," said Councilwoman Tina D'Aversa. "He's seems very grounded."

The city's first city manager, Aaron Bovos, resigned under fire last summer. The council was unhappy after learning the city might lose up to $900,000 in insurance taxes because appropriate paperwork wasn't sent to the state on time. Since then, Public Safety Director Chris Lagerbloom has been acting city manager.