Sparta Judge Seat And City Attorney Position Vacant After Tie Vote

Sparta’s Municipal Court Judge and City Attorney positions will remain vacant for the foreseeable future after two tie votes by the Board of Aldermen.

City Attorney Lynn Omohundro resigned from the position. Municipal Judge John Meadows won the General Sessions Judge seat. Alderman Hoyte Jones was one of the three no votes.

“I think there’s a few things in this agenda that the new Mayor and Board should address instead of me,” Jones said. “I’m not going to be here, and they are going to have to work with them for the next four years.”

Jones ran for a new term as Alderman but placed fourth in the popular vote. Only three were appointed. Mayor Jeff Young in his final meeting recommended Bruce Macleod for judge and Caroline Sapp as city attorney. Young said there was no reason not to support the candidates based on their qualifications.

“I would like to add that this has been in the pipeline for several weeks,” Young said. “We do have court cases that will be coming up. (…) My guess is if we circle back to this next week or the week after, we will have the same person nominated more than likely I feel like.”

Jones said he supported the two recommendations, but it was not his decision to make. Mayor Elect Jerry Lowery who served his last meeting as Alderman also voted no. Alderman Bobby Officer was the other vote against the action.