The Hamilton County Commission decided Thursday that it’s better to wait until after the county general elections to fill the vacant District 8 seat instead of appointing a temporary replacement to the nine-member body.
The commission voted unanimously not to fill the seat of former Chairman Curtis Adams, who resigned on May 13 and began work as the city manager of Crossville, Tenn.
Chairman Fred Skillern asked the commissioners for their input on who should fill the seat, but there was little discussion.
Commissioner Bill Hullander asked if it would be possible to appoint whoever wins the Aug. 5 general election to fill in for the last month.
“I don’t see a big problem with leaving the seat vacant,” he added.
County Attorney Rheubin Taylor reminded the commission that the law says the panel should fill the seat in 120 days unless there is a general election in that time. If the commission had chosen to fill the seat, the public would need seven days notice, he said.
Mr. Taylor advised the commission that, if it decides to install the winner of the August election early, it will need to swear in that winner again on Sept. 1 when the term of office officially starts.
After the vote, Mr. Skillern promised the commission would work hard to address the problems of District 8 voters.
“If anyone comes to us with a problem, will our office please see to it that it be placed with the appropriate committee chairman?” he said.
County Mayor Claude Ramsey said his office would help in any way it could.
Commissioners Warren Mackey and Larry Henry had said they might be open to appointing someone to the seat because the county is working on its budget and they wanted District 8 to have a voice in that process.
On Thursday, Mr. Henry said the county likely will pass a continuation budget — which temporarily keeps funding at the current levels — eliminating the need to have someone in place right away.
Mr. Mackey said the commission would handle concerns from District 8, which includes East Ridge.
“When East Ridge has some concerns, we will step in and fill that gap,” Mr. Mackey said. “I’m real comfortable the district is going to be well represented.”
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