McMinn County

     Even though McMinn County had experienced many trying times in its long history, the Civil War was undoubtedly the county’s crisis point. With the county sharply divided over the question of secession, the adage of “brother against brother” took on true relevance. The county was never site to any large battles, but numerous skirmishes did occur as both sides struggled for control of both the Hiwassee River bridge at Calhoun and the county's rail lines. McMinn County sent men to fight on both sides of the war and the county itself changed hands many times during the war. General William Tecumseh Sherman used the Bridges Hotel in Athens as his headquarters and reportedly developed a real affection for the town. A strong Unionist and Tennessee's first post-war governor, William G. “Parson” Brownlow, served as minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, the forerunner of the present Keith Memorial United Methodist Church in Athens.

     McMinn County recovered from the wounds of the war and began its evolution from an agricultural community to an industrial one. The textile, railroading and lumber industries were some of the first in the county. Today McMinn County is a largely industrial county with major companies producing goods as diverse as automobile components, farm equipment, furniture, chemicals, clothing and newsprint. Bowater Inc., located in Calhoun is the world's largest producer of newsprint.

Government

     As with other counties in Tennessee, McMinn’s government is composed of offices established by the state Constitution and other appointed positions. There is a three-way system, such as in the federal government, of legislative, judicial and executive branches.

     All of the agencies combine to serve the county’s more than 50,000 residents.

     The following is a list of county office holders:

County Commission

     The McMinn County Commission is the legislative branch of county government composed of 10 members who represent the five districts in the county. The panel's primary functions are budget approval and policy-making.

     Members are elected to four-year terms. Commission members are: District 1 – Bob Powers and Tracey "Tad" Simpson. District 2 – Gary Mason and Jerry Millsaps. District 3 – Jack Powers and Roger Masingale. District 4 – Willard “Dale” Holbrook and Jeannie King. District 5 – David Crews and Scott Curtis.

     The Commission meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in the basement floor of the McMinn County Courthouse. For more information on the McMinn County Commission call 745-7634.

County Mayor

     The county mayor serves as chief administrator of McMinn County and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the general fund.

     The county mayor is elected to a fouryear term. John Gentry is the current office-holder.

     Gentry's office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the courthouse. The office is located on the main floor of the courthouse.

     The office can be reached at 745-7634.

County Clerk

     Duties of the county clerk range from serving as secretary to the County Commission to keeper of various public records to conducting a great deal of taxation activities within the county.

     The county clerk is elected to a four-year term, and the office is currently held by Evonne Hoback.

     The office is located in the McMinn County Courthouse Annex in the Madison Park Shopping Center in downtown Athens. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. For more information, call 745-4440.

Register of Deeds

     The register of deeds records real estate conveyances, deeds of trust, leases, charters, bonds of county officials, contracts and other documents, making certified copies of these forms when needed. The register of deeds is elected to a four-year term. Nadean Cunningham holds the office.

     The office is located on the main floor of the courthouse. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

     For more information, call 745-1232.

Trustee

     The trustee receives and disburses all monies that are paid to the county by other county officials as well as state and federal funds, and collects property taxes, personal taxes and public utility taxes.

     The trustee is elected to a four-year term. Phil Tuggle is the office-holder.

     The office is located on the main floor of the courthouse. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

     The office can be reached at the courthouse at 745-1291.

Property Assessor

     The property assessor inventories all parcels of real estate and all tangible, real and intangible personal property in McMinn County. The property assessor also maintains tax maps and property cards, collects tax receipts and prepares tax books and notices.

     The property assessor is elected to a four-year term. Don Cowart is the current property tax assessor. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the courthouse. Once courthouse renovations are completed, this main-floor office will essentially remain in the same location and will be expanded slightly.

     For more information, call 745-2743.

Finance and Purchasing

     The director of finance oversees expenditures and budgeting for county departments.

     The director of finance is appointed by the County Commission and serves at the will of its Management Committee.

     Jason Luallen is the director of finance.

     The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the courthouse. The office is located on the main floor in the area formerly occupied by the county clerk's office.

     For more information, call 745-4103.

Veterans Affairs

     The veterans service officer assists Tennessee veterans and their families obtain state and federal benefits.

     Tom Green currently serves in the position, which is appointed by the county executive.

     The office is located in the McMinn County Courthouse Annex in Madison Park Shopping Center. Office hours are still 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

     For more information, call 744-1605.

Election Commission

     The McMinn County Election Commission and the administrator of elections oversee the holding of local elections and voter registration.

     Election commissioners serve two-year terms. Members of the panel are recommended by state legislators and appointed by the Tennessee Election Commission. The administrator of elections serves at the pleasure of the Election Commission.

     The Election Commission’s members currently are Chairman Fred Frazier, Secretary Paul Mullins, Ray Simmons, J.W. McPhail, and Ray Whitlock. Loretta Sliger serves as the administrator of elections.

     The office is currently located in the McMinn County Courthouse Annex in Madison Park Shopping Center in Athens. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

     For more information, call 745-0843.

Emergency Preparedness

     Betty Hamby, McMinn County Emergency Management Agency Director. The department oversees civil defense and emergency preparedness.

     The department can be reached at 744-5256.

Highway Department

     The Highway Department is responsible for building and maintaining county roads and bridges.

     The head of the department, the Highway Commissioner, is elected to a four-year term. Randall Moss is the officeholder. Located on Old Niota Road in Athens, the office is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

     For more information, call 745-1820.

Sheriff

     The sheriff oversees the administration of law enforcement and operations at the McMinn County Justice Center. The sheriff and deputies conduct criminal investigations, serve warrants and provide officers for court security.

     The sheriff is elected to a four-year term. Steve Frisbie is the current officeholder. The Justice Center is located at 1319 South White Street.

     For more information, call 745-5622.

District Attorney General

     The District Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer for McMinn, Bradley, Polk and Monroe counties, which make up the 10th Judicial District. The district attorney also is specifically charged with preparing and prosecuting all criminal cases and other cases in which the state has an interest. The district attorney is elected to an eight-year term. Former Criminal Court Judge Steve Bebb is the current district attorney.

     The office, located at 130 Washington Ave., Athens, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.

     For more information, call 744-2830.

Public Defender

     The public defender serves as the courtappointed legal representative for indigent defendants involved in criminal cases in McMinn, Bradley, Polk and Monroe counties.

     The public defender is elected to an eight-year term. Richard Hughes is the current office-holder.

     The main office is located in Cleveland at 53A Central Ave. The Athens office is at 110 1/2 Washington Ave. Both offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.

     For more information, call the Athens office at 746-5418. The Cleveland office can be reached at (423) 478-0348.

Judges

     Chancery and Circuit court judges try civil cases such as negligence, personal injury, malpractice and product liability and non-jury cases. Chancery Court, the court of equity, specializes in contractual law, insurance and worker's compensation matters.

     Criminal Court judges have jurisdiction in criminal cases which originate in the city courts, General Sessions Court and from the Grand Jury.

     The trial-level judges serve McMinn, Monroe, Polk and Bradley counties.

     General Sessions Court is a small claims court with jurisdiction limited to $3,000. Misdemeanor criminal and juvenile trials are also held here, as well as probable cause hearings in felony cases.

     All judges are elected to eight-year terms. Judges are elected to eight-year terms. Office-holders are Chancellor Jerri Bryant, Criminal Court Judges Amy Reedy and Carroll Ross, and Circuit Court Judges Larry Puckett and Mike Sharp, who was elected in August and takes office Sept. 1. Judge James Watson presides over General Sessions and Juvenile Court.

     The judges can be reached through the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 745- 1923. Chancellor Jerri Bryant maintains an office in the courthouse and can be reached at 745-1717.

Circuit Court Clerk

     The Circuit Court clerk is responsible for all records generated in Circuit, Criminal, General Sessions, Probate and Juvenile courts and the Grand Jury. The clerk also issues warrants and collects fines.

     The circuit court clerk is elected for a four-year term. Rhonda Cooley is the current office-holder.

     The office is currently located on the top floor of the courthouse. It is open Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to noon.

     For more information, call 745-1923.

Clerk and Master

     The clerk and master is responsible for all records generated from Chancery Court. The position is appointed to a six-year term.

     Patty Gaines is the current clerk and master.

     The office is located on the basement floor of the courthouse. It is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

     For more information, call 745-1281.

     Incorporated cities within McMinn County include Athens, the county seat; Etowah; Calhoun; Englewood and Niota.

McMinn County website: www.mcminnco.org