Forsyth County commissioners have voted not to renew the contract of current County Manager Eric Johnson, but rather negotiate an interim county manager contract with former Forsyth County Manager Doug Derrer.
Following the executive session portion of Wednesday night’s meeting, the board voted unanimously to move ahead with the contract. There was no discussion among commissioners for the reason behind their vote.
Forsyth County Attorney Ken Jarrard announced the board’s intention to pursue the contract prior to the vote.
“Under the Open Records Act, when an agency like Forsyth County is slated to hire a new head of the executive agency, we’re required to give no less than 14 days notice…up to three individuals that are our selection,” said County Attorney Ken Jarrard. “In this case, there is one and that’s Doug Derrer…I want to make that announcement on the record because I believe that is your decision.”
Johnson has served almost three years as the Forsyth County Manager, following two years spent as the assistant county manager for Hillsborough County, Florida.
Johnson replaced Derrer as county manager in 2017, after Derrer announced his retirement from the agency following nine years in the position.
Johnson’s contract will expire September 3, 2020.
Jarrard said that he plans to present the board with Derrer’s contract at the first board meeting of September.
“At that time I will present to you a contract that will hopefully allow for there to be a seamless transition to an interim county manager, as the existing county manager contract does in fact come to its natural end,” he said.
