Tom Hyde sworn in to Hamblen County District 1 seat amid dispute over past road-commission payments

The Hamblen County Commission voted to appoint Tom Hyde to fill the unexpired District 1 seat and administered the oath of office during Thursday’s meeting.

Gwen Holden, speaking during agenda-item public comment, urged commissioners not to appoint Hyde unless he repaid what she said were improper payments from the county road commission, saying Hyde "owes the county taxpayers $800" for four missed meetings that still generated pay. Officials and other speakers disputed the character of the payments, noting the matter is the subject of pending litigation and that executive orders around the COVID period affected meetings. One official described the situation as "not black and white" and said a legal defense exists.

Commissioners debated the allegation during the meeting. One speaker said Hyde had offered to lay a check for $800 with county staff and was awaiting the outcome of the lawsuit before formal invoicing or collection. After discussion the commission called the roll and the motion to appoint Hyde passed; the chair announced, "Motion passes," and the appointee took the oath.

Tom Hyde, in brief remarks after being sworn, told the commission he had given many years of service in county government and pledged to serve with care: "I'll treat every citizen with dignity and respect. I'll protect the taxpayer dollars just carefully, as my own money." He said he accepted the appointment to the unexpired term of his friend Joe Huntsman and noted his long history of county service.

The record shows the dispute over the road-commission payments remains in litigation; commissioners said the courts will determine final accountability. The commission did not delay the appointment pending resolution of the lawsuit.