Thursday, May 30, 2013
Commission Votes To Declare Constable Offices Vacant
Members of the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners have voted to declare two local constable offices vacant.
The action was taken during the commission’s bi-monthly business meeting held Tuesday.
The resolution states that constables elected by Lawrence County voters are required to make a surety bond “conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office,” before entering the duties of that office. Under Tennessee Codes Annotated, failure to do so requires that the offices be declared vacant.
Officials said that Eric Lopp and Eddie Wix, who were elected to represent the Southern and Northern Constable Districts, have failed to make a surety bond. As a result, commissioners voted to approve the resolution.
Commissioner Chris Jackson said that the constables provide a needed service to the county, often assisting the sheriff’s department in duties such as the serving of court papers.
As dictated, the commission will fill the vacancies during the next regularly scheduled business meeting, to be held in July.
