The Metropolitan King County Council on Monday unanimously selected Councilmember Joe McDermott to serve as chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee and to lead the council’s 2013 budget deliberations.

The position will put him in a pivotal spot as the county attempts to once again tighten its belt.

“Sound fiscal management will continue to be my priority as budget chair,” McDermott said in a news release.

“Unfortunately, the County’s coffers will be facing many challenges this year as cuts from the state are absorbed. In all likelihood, we will be forced to make many more tough choices,” he added.

McDermott joined the Council in 2010 after serving nearly a decade in the Legislature. He represents the 8th District, which includes Vashon Island.