GUYTON -- The Guyton City Council is a step closer to filling a key position.

After meeting in executive session during a special called meeting Thursday evening, the council announced that Bill Sawyer is the lone finalist to become city manager. Sawyer is the current county manager of Schley County, which is located just north of Americus.

The council must wait 14 days from announcing the finalist before he can be officially hired.

Brett Bennett has served as city manager on an interim basis since Daniel Hofman surrendered the post late last year. Bennett helped in the recruiting process for a city manager and city clerk. Tina Chadwick was hired as clerk.