At its Nov. 20 meeting, the Sullivan County Board of Commissioners confirmed multiple appointments and approved routine administrative items.

Appointments and votes at a glance

- Robert Earhart was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals after nominations and a roll-call vote; the chair announced Earhart had received the necessary majority. (Clerk read applicants and commissioners completed the roll call.)

- Dr. Barry Hopper was appointed to the District 2 commission seat (term through Aug. 31, 2026) and took the oath of office on the commission floor.

- The clerk recorded approval of a slate of notaries and bonds presented by the clerk.

- Item 5, a resolution recognizing the American Legion’s "Be The 1" suicide-prevention program and urging promotion of the 988 lifeline, was adopted after remarks from veteran Todd McKinley and others.

First readings and referrals

Commissioners placed several items on first reading for further review rather than final action: the small-business incubator resolution (sponsor asked to reserve space at the county-owned elementary campus), the school maintenance reallocation (to allow a procurement review), a four-month moratorium proposal on large-scale data-mining/crypto facilities to allow staff study of zoning changes, and an interlocal agreement to continue juvenile detention services with Blount County. Sponsors said these first readings allow staff and committees time to research procurement, zoning and legal issues before final votes.

Public comment and other items

Public comment included concerns about small modular reactors and energy impacts from Denise Skeen, and a speaker who urged accountability for an absent commissioner. The meeting concluded with community announcements and adjournment.

The county clerk’s minutes will record official vote tallies and next steps for each item.