Troutman resigns, Willis shares update at Town of Caryville meeting

The mayor and board of aldermen held Caryville’s monthly meeting on Monday night

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF)- Town Judge Reid Troutman has tendered his resignation effective the end of the year as judge for the Town of Caryville. At Monday night’s monthly meeting of the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen, leaders were tasked with how to replace Troutman. Mayor David Chambers discussed with the board that historically when this occurs the town’s attorney typically moves up. Chambers stated that the town’s current attorney Adam Bullock had expressed an interest in moving up to the position of judge. The board approved moving Bullock to the position of judge effective January 2026. This leaves Bullock’s position as town attorney vacant when he transitions to judge. The board approved to advertise for a town attorney.

Jeff Willis, Chief Executive Officer with United Rare Earths, was present at the meeting to update progress on United Rare Earths facility at the Collins Industrial Park. Willis reported that early construction has started at the facility. He continued by saying a lot of work is going on behind the scenes, and he was grateful for the support he has received from Mayor Chambers and Alderman Josh Monday. Chambers highlighted the campaign Willis launched to combat the food crisis in Campbell County; Willis pledged $10,000 to local food relief programs and issued a challenge to the entire community to match the donation. Willis said “we are thrilled to be in Campbell County and be a part of the community”.

Two invoices were approved for payment. The first was from Herrell’s Mobile Repair Service in the amount of $2,500 to repair the street and sanitation department brush truck. Next was an invoice from East Tennessee Development District in the amount of $5,000 for the Parks and Open Space Program (CDBG-CV Parks) that was approved.

The board agreed to advertise for bids for a brush truck for the street and sanitation department.

Ordinance 2025-09 an ordinance to amend personnel policies regarding the work week definition was passed on a second reading.

A second reading of Ordinance NO. 2025-08 to modify Title 18 waters and sewers of the Caryville Municipal Code by removing the reference to division of water pollution control from 18-103(3) and replacing with division of water resources, removing reference to 40 CFR 403.12(a) from section 18-103(51)(b) and adding reference to 40 CFR 403.8(f)(1)(vi)(A) minimal criminal penalty of $1,000 a day for each violation by an industrial user to section 18-205(10) was approved. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/11/2025-6AM)