Sullivan County commission confirms building commissioner, approves school director bond and elects District 6 constable

Sullivan County commissioners handled multiple personnel and appointment items at their June meeting, confirming a new building commissioner, approving a statutory bond for the schools director, declining a utility board appointment, and electing a District 6 constable.

Appointments and bonds: The commission confirmed Nathan Walsh as building commissioner. Commissioners discussed the statutory nature of the position; one commissioner explained the building commissioner “enforces the zoning code” and is an enforcement official rather than a planning supervisor. County leadership said Walsh has passed required certification exams. The mayor introduced Walsh as certified in residential building inspection, plumbing inspection and mechanical inspection and recommended his confirmation. The vote recorded on the appointment met the necessary majority and the commission announced the appointment on the record.

The commission approved a statutory bond for Chuck Carter, director of Sullivan County Schools, by recorded vote.

Utility board appointment: The commission considered David Horton’s appointment to the Bloomingdale Utility District Board but the appointment did not receive the necessary majority and was not adopted.

District 6 constable election: The commission held nominations and elected Wesley (Wes) Whitaker to finish the remaining term of Henry Price (retired effective May 31, 2025). Commissioners nominated Richie Green and Wes Whitaker; each candidate spoke to the commission. Whitaker described a long career in local law enforcement, probation and private misdemeanor probation services and asked for the commission’s support. Richie Green described years in public service and work with the county rescue squad and sheriff’s office. The commission conducted a roll‑call vote; Whitaker received 14 votes to Green’s 7, with three commissioners absent, and was declared duly elected. Whitaker addressed the commission after the vote: “I just wanna say thank you all so much for voting for me and I'll do the best job I can.”

Why it matters: The building commissioner enforces local zoning and inspection codes; the constable fills a locally elected law‑enforcement role for District 6; the school director’s bond is a statutory administrative requirement. The utility board appointment failed because it did not secure the necessary majority vote. Commissioners directed follow‑up where statutory or certification requirements were raised during the discussion.