Stooksbury announces he will not seek re-election, wanted to say now so others could make plans

Mayor Bobby Stooksbury announces at Monday night’s meeting that he will not seek another term as mayor of Caryville.

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – Last night, the Town of Caryville Mayor Bobby Stooksbury announced at the monthly meeting of the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen that he will not be seeking re-election. Stooksbury told those in attendance “it’s time”, he has served 16 years as mayor.

The board voted to increase the town’s garbage services fee from $8 to $12, those who opposed the increase were Aldermen Eric Jones, Aldermen Lloyd Lawson, and Aldermen Vickie Heatherly. The garbage services fee includes picking up recyclables, brush and leaf pick up as well as garbage.

Anne Caver, CPA with Mitchell Emert & Hill, P.C. presented the board with the findings of the audit for fiscal year 2022-23. She reported it was a good audit with no findings.

Ordinance 2024-04 amending the zoning map of the Town of Caryville by changing the zoning for property on Woods Circle from R-1 low density residential had a second reading.  Ordinance 2024-05 amending the annual operating budget for fiscal year 2023-24 was approved.

Aldermen Josh Monday reported that the city was eligible to apply for a 3.6 million dollar grant for the Department of Energy. The grant has a five percent match (approximately $180,000). Monday stated that if the town applied and won the grant, they could use the funds for solar power at the municipal building, purchasing a generator for the municipal building, weatherization and possible EV charging stations.

Vietnam Veterans David Ayers, H.R. Douglas, Eddie (Clyde) Douglas and Ronnie Wright (left to right)

Members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1148 were present to discuss the possibility of installing a 60 foot flag pole with an American Flag that would be 12 feet by 24 feet. The flag would be installed on the grounds near the Caryville Cares Playground. The group would like to create a Veterans’ Park that would have flags, seating, and a wall to honor local members of the community. The group will have to fundraise to complete the project.

Here’s a rendering of the proposed flag court at Caryville.

The board approved the purchase of a display case for the library that will cost $3,157.28 and purchasing an EZ climb ladder for the fire department for $3,254.35.

After the meeting concluded, Aldermen Eric Jones highlighted Bobby Stooksbury and Eddie Hatmaker’s 50 years of service with the Caryville Volunteer Fire Department. Stooksbury and Hatmaker were presented with metal flags with their badge number on them and gold axes. State Representative Dennis Powers was on hand to present Hatmaker and Stooksbury with a proclamation for their years of service. See the related story HERE.

ELECTION INFORMATION FOR NOVEMBER 2024 RACE

November (incumbent)

The City of La Follette and the Town of Caryville have seven combined posts to be filled. Caryville will elect a mayor (Bobby Stooksbury) and three aldermen; Ward 1 (Patrick Pebley), Ward 2 (Eric Jones) and Ward 3 (Lloyd Lawson). Voters in the City of La Follette will elect a mayor (Cliff Jennings) and two council members (Phillip Farmer and Wayne Kitts).

Those wishing to run for public office in the November election may begin picking up petitions starting Monday, June 17, 2024. (CORRECTED DATE)

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/14/2024-6AM)

Related