The Forsyth County commission could vote tonight on whether to remove the "interim" tag from County Manager Doug Derrer's title.

It's a vote on which at least two commissioners seem certain.

"I think it will be unanimous," Commissioner Jim Harrell said. "I think it's expected at this point."

Two weeks ago, the board named Derrer as the sole finalist for the position.

A 14-day period of review followed, during which the public and others had the opportunity to comment on Derrer's candidacy.

Derrer has said he plans to accept the position. If so, he would be the fifth person to hold the spot since 2004.

Personnel Services Director Pat Carson said it would pay the same as his interim post, $130,000 per year, with a one-year severance should he leave.

The position does not fall under civil service protection, which is a three-member board that determines employee appeals.

One added benefit to Derrer's contract as county manager is that the county will pay 100 percent of his health insurance.

Derrer said he planned to "work closely with the board of commissioners, staff and the community at large."

"As county manager, I will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the county ... working closely with commissioners and working closely with the department directors to ensure we provide the most effective and efficient service to the public," he said.

Derrer previously worked for Hall County government, retiring in December 2007 after more than 25 years of service.

A couple months later, he joined Forsyth as deputy county manager. He became interim county manager after Rhonda Poston-O'Connor was fired as county manager in September. The vote to fire Poston-O'Connor was 3-2.

"We've given the new commissioners a couple months to work with him and be comfortable with him," Harrell said. "I think everyone is ready to go ahead and make the decision."

Commissioners Patrick Bell and Jim Boff took office in January.

Bell said Derrer is a "very good leader for the county ... a great choice for county manager." He also thinks the vote will be unanimous.