A motion to hire Reggie Odoms as Claiborne County economic development director at a $65,000 salary, pending a drug test and background check, failed after several supervisors said the appointment had not been discussed by the full board and raised potential nepotism and ethics concerns.

The matter came up under old business when Supervisor Chandler moved to hire Reggie Odoms and Supervisor Jones seconded the motion. Several supervisors said the decision had not been vetted by the whole board. Supervisor Chambliss said, “This action was not discussed with the board as a whole,” and Supervisor Dorsey said similar last‑minute decisions made her “not comfortable voting.” The motion ultimately “dies for lack of support.”

County Attorney Tom Stingley advised the board on state nepotism rules and recommended seeking a formal attorney general and ethics opinion before proceeding. Stingley said the statute’s listed relationships determine whether a hire is barred and explained that the economic development director position “does not say anything about an assistant, a stenographer, a clerk, or an officer,” which affected his reading of the law. He recommended the board request a formal attorney general opinion and an ethics opinion “so that you don't have any blowback whatsoever.”

Several supervisors also noted a conflict risk for Supervisor Odom if the family relationship persists. Stingley reminded the board that, if hired, the related supervisor could not participate in payroll votes relating to that employee and that the board should document its deliberations. Supervisor Odom publicly stated he would step out and not vote on the matter.

The board discussed precedent, with supervisors noting past hires involving relatives and emphasizing that each case must be judged on its own facts. After discussion and Stingley’s advice, a new motion to hire was made but did not receive enough support and died.

The board did not make a hiring decision on the record and directed that the legal guidance be incorporated into any future motion. Stingley said he would draft suggested language for a motion that would include a resolution and a formal record if the board later resolved to move forward.