Macon County commissioners voted in a new chairman and vice chairman this week.
Longtime commission member Gary Shields was voted in as chair. Shields served as principal of Franklin High School for 21 years.
“I just heard a thump, two thumps. My mom and daddy just turned over in their graves,” Shields said.
County Manager Derek Roland called for the motion as the first item on the county’s agenda. Commissioner Danny Antoine nominated Commissioner Josh Young for the chairman. The motion was not seconded.
Now-former chairman Higdon nomination Shields.
“We think it’s a good thing to change leadership every year. It’s not a precedent that we have had but I talked to these gentlemen and Mr. Gary Shields expressed a great interest in serving as chairman of this board,” Higdon said.
He described the challenge of the leadership role.
“It’s been an honor to serve this last year and try to get these five independent thinkers to get on the same page, ain’t nobody can do that. But we are here to represent the people and I am glad that we have independent thinkers and outspoken individuals.”
Shearl seconded the motion and Shields was chosen with a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Josh Young was nominated as vice-chair by Shields and chosen unanimously by commissioners.
Shields then updated the rules for public comment to give each speaker five minutes. The public comment period cannot exceed 45 minutes and speakers will be selected on a first come, first served basis.
He reminded the audience that comments would be made to the board but will not respond, according to public meetings rules.
“The board, in the situation right now, will not be interact with the questioners, the speakers or whoever the board will not react. We will listen to what you have to say,”
Shields said.
Shields also encouraged civility at the meetings.
Sheriff Brent Holbrooks reminded community members that outbursts will not be tolerated during the meeting.
The changes come after an explosive meeting last month during which Commissioner John Shearl called for the resignation of County Manager Derek Roland.
“You have called me a liar four times in open session, so tonight, I ask for your resignation,” said Shearl, the Smoky Mountain News reported.
During this week’s public comment period, former sheriff Robert Holland spoke to back Roland. He said that during his 32 years working with the county, Roland has been the best county manager.
“There is no county manager that I have ever worked with that worked as hard as you do. You listened to us. You always treated us with respect,” Holland said.
“I hope by the end of the night that you get a public apology.”
Shearl made a statement to address the meeting. He apologized for incorrectly stating facts but also doubled down on his belief in small government, low taxes and low government spending – including on salaries.
“You might love me. You might hate me. But I will always represent the taxpayers first and foremost which is the task that this board all share in common. If representing the taxpayers and the county’s assets by challenging the growth of government is not our common goal then there will always be division on this board,” Shearl said.
Shearl blamed the media for twisting his words. He also again stated that Roland had previously said that the county was overstaffed. Roland again denied the claim.
Shields said that is the last time that this issue will be revisited in a meeting.
