A longtime Hall County government employee is the lone finalist for deputy county manager in Forsyth County.

Doug Derrer retired last month after 26 years of public service in Hall County. County Manager Rhonda O’Connor confirmed Derrer’s status on Monday. There is a required wait of two weeks after the announcement; he should take the post next week.

The deputy county manager position will pay between $76,000 and $123,000 annually and does not fall under civil service protection, according to a statement from Forsyth County’s communications department.

Job duties include collaborating with the county manager and senior management and coordinating economic and tourism development.

A former police officer in Miami, Derrer had worked in Hall County since 1981.

During that time he served in various capacities, including 11 years as warden of the Hall County Correctional Institute and separate stints as public safety director and public works director.

He also served a short time as interim city manager in Flowery Branch earlier this decade.

The old Hall County retirement plan presented the opportunity for numerous veteran employees to retire by June. Derrer was among the first of about 60 employees expected to do so over the next six months.

Derrer could not be reached for comment Monday. He has said previously, however, that he would not rule out a return to government work in the region.

"I enjoy working with people, and I’ve always enjoyed being a public servant," Derrer told The Times in December.