Gene Hargis. Staff file photo.JASPER, Tenn. — When the public is angry with a group of elected officials, as many Marion County residents are with their County Commission, the head of that group usually takes the most heat.
Last week, Commissioner Gene Hargis stepped down as County Commission chairman after more than five years in the role.
Since the board raised property taxes in August to overcome a $1.5 million budget shortfall and avoid a county government shutdown, Hargis has endured the brunt of public outrage.
“When we have to do things like [raising taxes] to [county residents], I feel like I’ve let [them] down, and for that I apologize,” Hargis said in August.
Hargis was the only commissioner who spoke during the tax hike discussion in August. The wrath of disgruntled residents in the packed meeting room was mostly aimed at him alone.
After one resident told Hargis he should be “ashamed” of himself, Hargis said he was “the most hated man in the room.”
“I would encourage any of you that want my job,” he said. “You can have it.”
On Monday, the board unanimously approved Commissioner Les Price as its new chairman.
“I think [Gene] has done an excellent job,” Price said. “[He’s] been places that no other chairman has been to, and [he] did a great job. There’s no question.”
Hargis, who has recently indicated that he may not seek re-election in 2012, said he appreciated the opportunity to serve as chairman.
“I’ve tried hard,” he said. “We’ve had some rough times, and we’ve had some good times. It’s time to move on and maybe get some wiser direction. I appreciate everybody’s support.”
The board also unanimously approved Commissioner Mack Reeves as vice chairman.
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.