New city manager tapped in Canton

Canton has a new city manager.

The Canton City Council Monday night approved the appointment of Billy Peppers, who will take over effective June 15. Peppers will be paid $120,000 annually — the same as his predecessor and was named the sole finalist for the job last week.

Mayor Gene Hobgood called Peppers “ a tremendous asset” for the city who will make a difference during what he called the next few crucial years.

The newly-appointed manager was also named as finalist in early 2014, but withdrew his name after some on the council questioned his youth and his lack of city management experience. Peppers has worked as director of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Downtown Development since December of 2012. Prior to that, he was the economic development services director for the city of Woodstock.

He replaces former city council member Glen Cummins in the manager’s role. The council terminated its contract with Cummins in early May.