Veteran City Judge Kathy Parrott tendered her resignation Monday afternoon

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- At the regular monthly December meeting of the LaFollette City Council, the council tabled advertising for a city judge until yesterday’s workshop. At the workshop, newly elected Mayor Scott Kitts read a letter of resignation from City Judge Kathy Parrott, effective Dec. 31.

At the November workshop, then Mayor Cliff Jennings requested as a final item, advertising for a city judge be placed on the December agenda. Yesterday afternoon, Scott Kitts told the council that he felt “advertising for city judge was political retaliation from the previous administration”. Parrott has served as city judge since 2016.

City Administrator Stan Foust told the council that Scott Kitts had requested Mark Proffitt with Norris Lake Sports Complex be placed on the agenda. Proffitt spoke to the council about whether the city would have any interest in purchasing the building from him or possibly partnering with him. The council discussed the complex located on Old Jacksboro Pike with Proffitt and what it had to offer. Proffitt said he currently had the building listed with a relator for $3,000,000. As the discussion ended, the council talked about the fact that the property was not within the city limits but could possibly be annexed. Members of the council agreed to meet with the operations director of the complex and tour the facility on Fri., Jan. 17, at noon.

Robert Gibson with Ridgeview was present to speak with the council about issues that are facing the community regarding homelessness. Gibson told the council that he had been with Ridgeview for about two months as a case manager and during that time he had noticed there were gaps in services in the area as well as a lack of services. Gibson would like to see a council developed to look at the gaps and work on acquiring grants to help fill the gaps. City Councilman Chuck Queener suggested that Gibson contact Foust to discuss the issue.

Police Chief Steve Wallen’s resignation was discussed. Scott Kitts asked Wallen to come up to the table and talk with the council. When Wallen was seated, Scott Kitts asked Wallen who he would recommend filling his position. Wallen suggested that Captain Charles Duff serve as interim chief until a new chief is hired. Wallen stated that Duff would be interested in interim chief but not a long term position. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-12/31/2024-6AM)

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