Fannin County Post One Commissioner Earl Johnson will continue to serve in his role on the Fannin County Board of Commissioners until Post One Commissioner-Elect Johnny Scearce is able to take his oath of office and step into the role.
County Attorney Lynn Doss explained the law regarding Scearce’s situation to the Board of Commissioners during a special called meeting Monday, January 4.
Doss explained that an elected official serves until their successor is sworn in.
Johnson chose not to run for re-election to his Post One seat, and Scearce was elected to fill the vacancy in the November General Election.
However, since he is continuing to recover from COVID-19 complications, Scearce has not yet been able to take his oath. So Johnson will serve until that time, Doss said.
According to Doss, Scearce remains eligible to take the oath of office at any time, and there is no set time limit for when an elected official must take the oath of office.
Scearce said he is anxious to return to Fannin County, take his oath of office, and begin his term on the county commission.
Speaking from his hospital room in Chattanooga Monday morning, Scearce said, "The people of Fannin County have put their trust in me. I can't wait until I can begin serving."
As to his recovery, Scearce said, "Everything is looking good. It's just a slow process."
Scearce's battle against COVID-19 and its complications began in mid-September. He is now in a private room at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga.
Scearce and his wife, Brenda, echoed their thanks for all the cards, words of encouragement, financial help, "and most importantly all the prayers" they have received since the ordeal began.
"The outpouring of community support has been overwhelming and humbling," they agreed.
Commission Chairman Jamie Hensley asked Doss what the county would need to do if Johnson was no longer able to serve, and Doss said, “Then the two of you (Hensley and Post Two Commissioner Glenn Patterson) will continue on.”
She further explained that there have been periods of time in the county where there were only one or two commissioners on the board due to various issues and they were legally able to continue operating.