DURHAM - DURHAM -- Bertha Johnson, who has served the last few months as interim director of the city's Budget and Management Services Department, has assumed the role permanently, the city announced today.

Johnson takes over just as public deliberations begin about next fiscal year's budget. City Manager Patrick

Baker's recommended budget will be released Monday.

Johnson took over for Julie Brenman, who moved to direct the city's Office of Strategic Initiatives in January.

Johnson has worked at City Hall since 2005. The Elon University and N.C. Central University graduate has more than 17 years of experience.

She will make $107,000 per year.