Coffee County commission adds, then postpones, discussion on abolishing constable office after public comment

The Coffee County Board of Commissioners voted to add discussion of the office of constable to tonight’s agenda and later voted to place formal consideration of the office on the agenda for the next full commission meeting.

The amendment to add a discussion on the office of constable was offered by Commissioner Stubblefield and approved 14-1. The commission then accepted an official notice of vacancy in a constable position by unanimous vote (15-0). After public comment, a motion to place discussion and any potential abolishment proposal on the next monthly meeting agenda carried 14-1.

The item drew public comment during the meeting’s public-comment period from two elected constables. Alex Robertson, who identified himself as a constable for Precincts 13 and 4, urged commissioners “to not dissolve the constable positions,” saying the office provides “a layer of protection for our citizens for constitutional overreach.” Jim Sanders, who identified himself as constable for districts 5, 8 and 9, said modern statutory changes require constables to complete psychological evaluations, weapons training and post-approved in‑service training. Sanders asked the commission to “give us at least 30 days” before taking action and described constables’ deployment in tornado and flood responses across Tennessee.

County officials responded with caution. Sheriff Parton told commissioners constables “answer to nobody” and cited guidance from CTAS and a recent Tennessee attorney-general opinion as reasons the county should study the office’s legal and operational consequences before acting. County Attorney Mark Williams said abolishing the elective office requires a two‑thirds majority and must be accomplished across two consecutive meetings; he said commissioners who are elected would finish their current terms if abolition were approved following that procedure.

Commissioners who spoke during the debate requested written materials and legal references before any formal vote. The sheriff referenced CTAS guidance (CTAS-454) and Attorney General opinion OP 24‑006; the county attorney cited Tennessee Code Annotated provisions relevant to elected county offices. Commissioners directed that the item appear on the next regular meeting agenda so the body can review those documents and hear representatives from constable interests if they wish to appear.

The evening’s votes on this sequence were: addition of the discussion to the agenda (14 yes, 1 no); acceptance of the clerk’s notice of vacancy for a constable seat (15 yes); and a later procedural vote placing the topic on next month’s agenda (14 yes, 1 no). Attorney Williams confirmed statutory and procedural thresholds that would apply if commissioners ultimately move to abolish the elective office.

Commissioners and county staff said they will include the cited references and recommended legal materials in the packet for the next meeting so members can review obligations, liabilities and procedural requirements before any substantive vote.