Although the Loudon County Trustee's office will be led by a new face in 2013, the last name will remain the same.
Loudon County Commission on Tuesday voted to appoint Chip Miller, who just completed a term as chairman of the Loudon County Chamber of Commerce, to head up the office.
Miller is the son of former county mayor and trustee George Miller, who recently resigned his post citing health reasons.
"I'm very honored and humbled because I know that's a tough, tough vote," Chip Miller said. "In fact, from the commissioners that I've spoken to I think that's the one vote that they probably dread the most is appointing a position like that, and so I feel for them making those tough votes. They're elected to make some tough votes, and I appreciate their votes and their service."
The vote to appoint a new trustee was nearly postponed when Commissioner Bob Franke made a motion to table the process to allow for more thorough vetting. He recommended commission discuss the appointees at the next workshop and take a vote at the February meeting.
People who sent resumes to commission for consideration included Chip Miller; Leo Bradshaw, county director of purchasing and maintenance; Sherri Colvard, a staff accountant with Marriott Business Services; and city of Loudon Councilman Mike Cartwright. The trustee position carries a salary of $64,977.
Lou Ann Malone, chief deputy at the trustee's office, has been overseeing duties in George Miller's absence.
"I'm satisfied that the place is not going to fall apart if we don't fill it tonight," Franke said.
Commissioner Steve Harrelson said he supported proceeding with the vote immediately.
"I think it's crucial because of this department that we go ahead and move tonight," Harrelson said. "... I think with tax season being right in the middle of it now, January, February being so crucial to that time, I think it's important that we get somebody in there as soon as possible to work alongside Ms. Malone."
Commissioner Sharon Yarbrough agreed.
"We have made other decisions as a county commission that cost our county more money than this appointment overnight, so I don't think we are not on our feet making appropriate decisions," she said. "We are. That was our job. That's what we were elected to do."
The vote to table a vote failed 6-3.
Commissioner Brian Jenkins nominated Cartwright, while Commissioner David Meers tagged Bradshaw. Harrelson named Chip Miller, and Commission Chairman Roy Bledsoe nominated Colvard.
Commission then turned to the public to ask for other potential nominees.
Former state Rep. Julia Hurley nominated herself, but no commissioners submitted her name as an appointee.
"Just so that there's no confusion, but in order for Rep. Hurley's name to be voted on by the commissioners, a commissioner will have to put her name into" the running, County Attorney Bob Bowman said.
Chip Miller, whose term expires Aug. 31, 2014, won the appointment with six votes. Bradshaw received two votes, and Colvard got one. Commissioner Don Miller was absent.
In other business, the board:
* Approved an amendment authorizing the Industrial Development Board to negotiate and accept payment in lieu of taxes from DuPont Tate & Lyle BioProducts. The resolution stipulates that the annual lease payment in lieu of taxes of $61,072 shall be paid over a five-year period. The county will receive $37,058 and the city of Loudon would get $24,014.
* Approved the following appointments to the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals: Eric Good, Bill Hart, Mark White, Andy Ewing and Bob Maroney. Mike Waller and Bill Cox will serve as alternates.
* Elected Grazyna Gammons and Susan Goodwin as notaries.
* Approved numerous appointments to the Loudon County E-911 board. Loudon County Sheriff Tim Guider, Commissioner Steve Harrelson and Loudon Police Chief James Webb will serve on Panel A, with terms expiring Feb. 5, 2014. Daryl Smith, with Loudon County Emergency Management Agency, Lenoir City Fire Chief Richard Martin and Lenoir City Police Chief Don White will serve on Panel B, with terms expiring Feb. 5, 2015. Loudon Fire Chief Travis Gray, Loudon County Fire and Rescue Chief Bill Hart and Greenback Fire Chief Ronnie Lett will serve on Panel C, with terms expiring Feb. 1, 2016.
* Approved a request to rezone 2.71 acres at 10395 West Lee Highway from A-2 rural residential to C-1 rural center district.