A veteran of government began his job as Lilburn's new city manager today.

William Johnsa was selected for the Lilburn job by the mayor and City Council in July. Mayor Diana Preston and two of the city's four council members — Scott Batterton and Eddie Price — attended a meeting Monday to ratify Johnsa's contract.

Johnsa has spent 20 years in government, his most recent post as manager of Dawson County from 1999 to 2005, and has served as chief operating officer of Floor South Inc., according to a city news release. "After our six-month search, which drew more than 50 applicants, we feel fortunate to have found someone who possesses public as well as private sector experience," Preston said.

The role of city manager, according to the city's Web site, is to put into practice policies set by the City Council and manage the city's "fiscal health" and daily services.

A public reception for Johnsa is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Aug. 13 at Lilburn City Hall.