Royston City Council Hires Gary Fesperman as Interim City Manager

The Royston City Council and Mayor Keith Turman have named former Lavonia City Manager Gary Fesperman as their Interim City Manager.

Council members voted unanimously to hire Fesperman Monday evening during a brief called session.

Fesperman started work at Royston City Hall Tuesday under a 90-day contract, which can be extended if needed according to the Mayor. Turman said in addition to his duties as Interim City Manager, Fesperman will also be instrumental in helping the City Council and Mayor in their search for a permanent City Manager.

“Hopefully with the search for a city manager, he will be able to help us with that as well,” Turman said Monday. “I’ve known Gary for 20 years and for him to be willing to help us in our time of need, I’m grateful that he’s willing to do so. But again, he’s going to bring a lot of expertise in helping us find a city manager. He’ll know some of the questions to ask and that maybe the elected officials might not know to ask.

As for the search for a new City Manager, Turman said they’ve received a lot of applications but so far, none with the kind of experience they’re looking for.

He said whoever they hire, they want that person to be there for the long haul.

“We want to make sure we get the right candidates. We’ve done this many times and I want to get it right this time. We’re looking for longevity, someone who has an interest in the City. I’ve been here 20 years and we’ve gone through several city managers… I think Royston deserves to have a city manager with longevity here. And when I say longevity, I’m looking for a city manager who put in 10-15 years and possibly retire here,” Turman said.

Fesperman served as the City Manager in Lavonia from 1999 to 2015. Since retiring, he has worked as an interim city manager for several municipalities, most recently the City of Hoschton.

Turman said Fesperman will work three days a week Tuesday – Thursday,  as the Royston Interim City Manager.