Milner names Emily Woodmaster as interim city manager

Emily Woodmaster began her second day as interim city manager of Milner on Tuesday, stepping into the role one week after the city’s full-time police department and previous city manager resigned.

Woodmaster, who previously served as city manager in Baldwin for six years, said Mayor Craig Timmons contacted her last week to fill the vacancy quickly. She resides in Gwinnett County, more than two hours from Milner, and describes the initial influx of information as intense. “There’s a lot of info. It’s like drinking out of a fire hose right now,” she said.

Her immediate priorities focus on fiscal administration for the new year, which begins in January. Woodmaster is preparing the city budget and working to issue property tax bills that are typically mailed at the end of October. Because the bills are due December 31, city officials are considering an extension to manage the delayed schedule.

Woodmaster is also assisting the city council in the search for a permanent city manager. Although the council holds the final hiring authority, she plans to update the job description, review incoming applications, and provide recommendations to the board. She noted that applications for the role are already arriving, even though official job postings have not yet been published.

The city is simultaneously searching for a new police chief. Woodmaster confirmed that the recruitment process is underway and that city leaders hope to fill the position within the next few weeks, potentially by the end of the month. She has been meeting with council members and the single remaining police officer to assess current operations.

Woodmaster stated she intends to serve only until permanent leadership is secured. Her goal is to maintain city operations during the transition. “Just here to help continue the operations of the city while we find new leadership for the community,” she said.