Flowery Branch has hired a finance director, filling a new position within city government.

Jeremy Perry is coming from Hall County government, where he worked for nearly seven years, most recently as the finance operations manager.

"With the increasing growth of the city and the complexity of our financial issues, (city officials) welcome Mr. Perry's expertise and know we will be well served by his abilities," according to an emailed statement from City Manager Bill Andrew.

"We are excited about looking forward and, at the same time, carefully husbanding the resources the taxpayers have entrusted to us. We believe Mr. Perry will allow the city to fulfill our duties to meet our growth with financial stability and the creation of a quality community."

Perry, who will begin the job on March 7, will be paid $66,500, Andrew said.

"Part of his pay is coming from our decision not to fill our assistant city clerk slot," which was set at $43,000, he added.

Perry said that working for Hall County "has been a great learning experience."

"I could not ask for a better group of colleagues," he said. "I have grown in many ways during my time here and I sincerely thank everyone I have worked with at Hall County for the opportunities, experience and knowledge I have gained during my career."

Vickie Neikirk, Hall's finance director, said she believes Flowery Branch "will be fortunate to have someone of Jeremy's caliber.

"He is very knowledgeable, well versed in government accounting and budgeting," she added. "It is certainly a loss for us, but our staff wishes him well in his career."