Hamilton County’s outgoing mayor, sheriff reflect on tenures

Two Hamilton County leaders reflected on their years in local government during a meeting of a Republican club on Monday, stating they’re optimistic as they prepare to pass the baton to a new generation of county officials in September.

Sitting alongside outgoing Sheriff Jim Hammond, Mayor Jim Coppinger touted the county’s property tax rate, which he said is at its lowest in 70 years. He credited the work of colleagues in making that possible.

“A lot of that is because of these administrators, a lot of these people in constitutional offices who are taking a conservative approach about spending,” he told members of the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club during a lunchtime meeting at a downtown restaurant.

Coppinger added that his administration has focused on education, economic development, public safety and enhancing the public’s overall quality of life.

Coppinger was appointed mayor in 2011 and was later re-elected to two four-year terms. He announced last October that he would be stepping down at the end of his current term. Two candidates, Democrat Matt Adams and Republican Weston Wamp, are vying to replace him in the Aug. 4 general election.

During his tenure, Coppinger said, roughly 170 businesses have expanded their footprints in Hamilton County, and more than 40 new companies have moved to the area, creating 21,000 jobs.

The county also has made a series of investments in its academic facilities, Coppinger said, which includes plans to build a new Tyner Middle High Academy that will open to students in fall 2024.

Hammond, meanwhile, has served as sheriff since 2008 and recalled one of his predecessors reiterating to him the importance of listening to employees and encouraging them to step forward with issues. The office has grown under his leadership, he said, which he attributed to the budget the mayor and county commissioners have provided for his department.

“We didn’t always agree,” he said. “They had a certain amount of money they had to divide up, but I always took the attitude that I’m going to fight hard for every dollar … then use that money to move us forward.”

Hammond’s current chief deputy, Austin Garrett, is running unopposed for sheriff.

Hammond said the Bible verse Micah 6:8 – “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God” – has been a touchstone during his time in office. He said he’s worked to instill in his officers the importance of following a spiritual life.

“One of the reasons this country is in the trouble it is today is because there’s no spirituality that’s going on,” he told attendees. “We’ve walked away from the Bible. We’ve walked away from the home and the family unit. We need to restore that. Tennessee, I’m proud to say, is one of the states people flock to because they do see some spiritual life here.”

Contact David Floyd at dfloyd@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249. Follow him on Twitter @flavid_doyd.