Burrell is Caryville’s new attorney as Bullock becomes the town judge

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF)- The Town of Caryville has a new town attorney. Last night at the monthly meeting, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to hire Elizabeth Burrell (above) as the town’s new attorney replacing Adam Bullock who has moved into the judge’s position for the town.

Town Administrator Craig Bennett discussed his goals for the next two months with the board. Items on his list are to learn what the board’s expectations are for him. Make the staff whole again referencing filling open positions within the town. Bennett said some ordinances and resolutions will probably need to be updated. He would like to see downtown Caryville beautified and finally find a comprehensive IT solution for the administrative staff and department heads. He also shared that Nicole Diehl, who is the administrative assistant, will be leaving Feb. 26.

Ordinance 2026-02 changing the zoning of parcel of land on Bruce Gap Road from R1 (low density) to a R2 (medium density) was approved. Aldermen Vickie Heatherly made the motion to change the zoning with Aldermen Josh Monday making the second, all voted in favor except Aldermen Lloyd Lawson who voted no. The land is owned by Indian Gap Investment, LLC. The owners are proposing a development on the land.

Ordinance No. 2026-01 amending the annual operating budget for the fiscal year beginning 2025-26, to decrease the general fund and transfer funds to the CDBG fund and ARPA fund was passed on the second reading. Ordinance No.  2026-03 amending the annual operating budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 to fully develop the town administrator lines of account and add the driver grant program and volunteer fire training grant for the fire department was approved.

The board approved Town Judge Adam Bullock being eligible for health benefits through the town. Bullock will pay the premiums for the insurance.

Street and Sanitation personnel will soon have a way to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) class B through Elite DLT. The board approved moving forward with the training.  

The board discussed how the remaining $196,000 of the American Rescue Plan Aid should be spent. Bennett discussed buying a new brush truck, paving Bruce Gap Road, renovations to the municipal building or a public safety building at Exit 141. The board discussed each option with the brush truck and paving being the top two items chosen. After the discussion it was decided Bennett would research the brush truck and what the cost would be and come back to the board.

 The final item approved on the agenda was to designate a police department desk for surplus to be disposed. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-02/10/2026-6AM)