Chattanooga’s County Attorney Transition Hits the Brakes
In a surprising turn of events, the Hamilton County commissioners decided to postpone voting on a proposal that would have seen Janie Varnell transition into the role of county attorney starting in January. This decision came after current county attorney Rheubin Taylor raised concerns that the move might be in violation of his ongoing employment contract. As a result, the commissioners have chosen to defer their vote until January 8, following the holidays.
The Background on the Proposal
Commissioners opened their Wednesday meeting with a recess to discuss the matter privately, seeking additional legal advice. This step was prompted by Taylor’s ethical concerns that prevented him from providing the commissioners with guidance on the proposal. Under the initial plan, Varnell was slated to gradually transition into the attorney position over a six-month period, while Taylor would remain with the county in an advisory capacity until the end of 2025.
However, the proposal lacked crucial details regarding Varnell’s future salary, title, and work responsibilities during this transitional phase. County Mayor Weston Wamp’s office had shared a general timeline for Varnell’s takeover, but specifics were noticeably absent.
Raising Questions Among Commissioners
Commission Chair Jeff Eversole explained the decision to delay the vote, stating that there were important business questions that needed answers. “We wanted to ensure we had all the facts,” Eversole remarked. Some of those pressing questions revolved around how the transition would work regarding Varnell’s pay and position, especially given that Taylor has been the county attorney since 1993.
“We can’t hire a county attorney while we still have one,” Eversole clarified. His emphasis on due diligence reflects the commissioners’ commitment to be responsible both to taxpayers and, importantly, to Varnell.
The Legal Tangle
Things got complicated because Taylor’s contract grants him the authority to hire and fire attorneys in his office, which poses challenges for Varnell’s prospective employment. The commissioners felt that they have to tread carefully in addressing these contractual obligations while considering Varnell’s potential role.
There has been a lot of tension around the county attorney position for some time. Mayor Wamp had attempted to fire Taylor after taking office in 2022 due to alleged issues with his private client work and certain record-keeping practices. This led to a lawsuit and a court order requiring Wamp to honor Taylor’s contract until it naturally expires.
Concerns About the Process
The entire discussion among the commissioners shifted from Varnell’s qualifications—which many agree she possesses—to the procedural aspects of how this transition would actually unfold. Notably, her suitability for the role is not in question; commissioners and others have cited her excellent references.
Commissioner Chip Baker expressed his ongoing concerns about the process, stating, “There’s more detail that’s needed.” However, he acknowledged some progress since Varnell’s nomination became public, signaling that discussions have been fruitful in establishing a basic framework for transition—even if it’s still in its infancy.
Looking Ahead
It remains to be seen how Varnell’s potential transition will play out, especially with the upcoming ballot set for January 8, 2025. In the meantime, the focus for the Hamilton County commissioners will be on ensuring that all legal matters are adequately addressed to prevent any complications down the road.
Stay tuned as this story develops! It’s a big moment for Hamilton County, and residents will surely want to keep an eye on how it all unfolds.
