(KNZA)--The city of Holton didn’t have to go far in its search for a new city manager.

The Holton Recorder reports the Holton City Commission this week voted to offer the position to current Assistant City Manger Kerwin McKee.

McKee, a 20-year employee of the city, has accepted the position, effective August 1st.   

He will replace Bret Bauer who resigned last month to take a similar position in Gun Barrell City, Texas.  Bauer had served as city manager in Holton for nearly six years.

McKee has been serving as interim city manager since Bauer’s departure June 16th.

McKee was first hired by the city of Holton in 1996 as the city’s code enforcement officer.  He was promoted to the position of assistant city manager in 2010.

A contract with McKee is to be finalized at the Commission’s next meeting August 1st.