Clock is ticking on Town of Caryville for appointing a vice-mayor

Town’s attorney and MTAS note that the town must have a vice mayor

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF)- It appears the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen needs to choose a vice mayor sooner than later. Town Administrator Craig Bennett shared information from the town’s attorney, Elizabeth Burrell, and MTAS that the town must have a vice mayor. This position has not been filled since the former vice mayor, Beth Lawson, took on the role of mayor when after almost a year of serving as mayor, David Chambers stepped down.

At last month’s regular monthly meeting Mayor Beth Lawson nominated Aldermen Josh Monday to the position of vice mayor. However, no action was taken due to no motion being made. Last night the board discussed who might be interested in taking on the role. Aldermen Vickie Heatherly asked Aldermen Lloyd Lawson if he would be interested in the role. Lloyd Lawson responded that he would be willing to serve in the position until November, but he is unwilling to sign checks for the town.

Monday told the board whoever takes on this role will have a lot of work to do. He continued that phase two of the park needs to be completed and whoever takes on the role will need to help with overseeing the project. The board will nominate an alderman who is interested in the role at next month’s meeting and then vote on the nomination.

The board discussed some of the budget priorities for the fiscal year 2027. One of the priorities for the town appears to be a new brush truck for the street department. The cost of the truck is $218,000 from CMI. Bennett stated the truck would be at the next meeting for the board to see. The next item discussed was paving Bruce Gap Rd. The cost of the paving project is between $164,000 and $234,000 depending on the distance the board decides to pave. Monday suggested the board look at building a shed for the street department’s equipment. By building a shed for the equipment, Monday feels it would extend the life of the equipment.

The board then discussed the town administrator personnel authorities. According to Bennett’s contract he has the authority to employ, discharge, discipline or promote employees. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/27/2026-6AM)