December 29, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Anyone in the first district who wants to serve on the county commission may let their wishes be known.
In November, First district Commissioner Dennis Slager gave notice that he was resigning. A position he has held since being elected in 2018. He gave no reason for his decision.
During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the county commission voted to accept Slager’s resignation although it wasn’t legally required and to move forward with filling the position after a notice of the vacancy has been published in the newspaper.
Under state law the procedure for appointing someone to fill a vacancy on the county commission is briefly summarized as follows:
1. The vacancy must be filled within 120 days of receiving notice of the vacancy unless during that time there is a general election scheduled in the county and there is sufficient time for the vacancy to be placed on the ballot. TCA 5-5-104(b)(2).
2.The presiding officer (Chairperson) of the county commission shall cause public notice to be given in a newspaper at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at which the office is to be filled, notifying the public of the vacancy or opening to be filled at the meeting. TCA 5-5-111(a)(2).
Each of the seven county commission districts has two commissioners. Julie Young is the other first district commissioner.