A Vidalia native has been hired as the next City Manager of the Sweet Onion City.

At Monday night’s meeting of the Vidalia City Council, Josh Beck was unanimously approved to fill the vacant position that has been temporarily filled by former Vidalia City Financial Director Bill Bedingfield since late October 2023.

“I grew up in Normantown,” Beck said, “but moved within the city limits in 1990. My parents are Jim and Yvonne Beck. I married my high school sweetheart and we’ve been married for 20 years and have four children that range in ages from 22 on down to 10 and they are my pride and joy.”

Beck said his first few weeks will be familiarizing himself with the position and the duties of his new position.

“One of the first things I will do is catch up on the projects and that’s going to be chore,” he said. “I will work on the finances and budget and continue to build relationships. I love the people of this community; they are the engines that drive it and I want to continue to nurture those relations and support the people as a top priority.”

The city reviewed resumes of over 30 candidates who expressed an interest in the position, and after careful consideration, the Council decided on April 12 that Beck was the best candidate. Under Georgia law, no action on the hiring of the executive head of a public agency could officially be done until 14 days after the announcement of the finalists.

Beck has most recently served as the Executive Director of the Vidalia Housing Authority, and will begin his position as City Manager effective June 1.