WORCESTER, Mass. -- Worcester's city council named Eric Batista the permanent city manager by a eight to three vote at Tuesday night's meeting.​

Batista was named acting city manager after former city manager Ed Augustus left in May after eight years on the job. Batista said he is excited to be able to serve the community he grew up in.

"It's something you don't just wake up and dream about," Batista said. "It's something I think you work hard towards based on your passion and your commitment to the community that you grew up in. To be in this position, it is an honor to represent the city at this level. It's unbelievable."

Batista will now enter into contract negotiations with the city.