In a called meeting of the Rincon City Council Monday, Sept. 19, William Exley “Wes” Smith was chosen over current interim City Manager, Wanda Simmons, to serve the position permanently.

Council members Reese Browher, Christi Ricker and Paul Wendelken voted against the motion to select Smith as City Manager with council members Levi Scott, James Dasher and Ann Daniel voting in favor of the motion.

Because of the split vote, Mayor Ken Lee provided the decisive vote and the motion to employ and hire Smith carried.

Councilmember Browher stated that Simmons was the most qualified candidate to represent the citizens of Rincon and that she had done a good job as Interim City Manager. Browher also stated that Smith is an unknown quantity and has never been a city manager.

Smith grew up around the Rincon area and has relatives - members of the Exley family - who helped found Savannah.

Smith served as a city employee of Albany for 31 years and left his position of Assistant City Manager in July. He graduated with a Masters Degree in public administration Georgia College and State University and served as a redevelopment specialist for the Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority after graduating.

Smith also held the positions of the director of Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority (ADICA) and the city of Albany’s capital development superintendent.

Smith was responsible for completing the development of the Central Square govern ment complex in Albany, the construction of the city/county Government Center, construction of Veterans Park and took part in the development of the 10-year, $175 million Downtown Riverfront Master Plan.

Smith was also put in charge of the city’s inaugural $90 million SPLOST budget.

Smith will begin his new job as the Rincon City Manager in October.