Assistant city manager Joe Morton is leaving Peachtree City after two years to return to the city manager's post in Fayetteville.

Morton, a resident of Fayetteville, expects to begin his duties as city manager in Fayetteville within the next three weeks, pending official approval of his contract by the Fayetteville City Council at its April 3 meeting.

He previously held the Fayetteville post from 1994 to 1998, leaving in March of that year to go to Peachtree City, where he also served as director of financial services.

“I feel like, from a long-term perspective, this is best for me career-wise," he told the Citizen Wednesday afternoon.

Morton has spent most of his career in city government in Georgia, including four years as city manager in Cairo and two more as assistant city manager there. He was also assistant city manager in Moultrie for several years during the 1980s.

“It is difficult to express the positive impact Joe had on all aspects of our operation," said Jim Basinger, city manager for Peachtree City.

"He not only streamlined the financial and budgeting processes, but also was instrumental in operational and service improvements throughout the city's departments. I consider Joe to be a true professional, a class act, and a close friend. He will certainly be missed in Peachtree City.”

Mayor Bob Lenox echoed Basinger's comments, adding, “We wish Joe the best as he returns to Fayetteville, and look forward to working with him in the future. It is only a small consolation that Fayette County will not be losing Joe's experience and abilities.”

Peachtree City will begin recruiting immediately for a director of financial services, according to a written statement released by the city

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