TYLER/SMITH COUNTY (KYTX) - Smith County Commissioners issued a late addendum to their
meeting agenda for Tuesday – accepting the resignation of Emergency Services
District No. 2 Board Member Mitch Henderson.
Smith County spokeswoman Adrienne Graham-Hampton said in a
media release shortly before 7 p.m. tonight that the move is necessary due to
recent confusion caused by Henderson. On July 17, Henderson tendered his full
resignation, but he has recently begun attending ESD No. 2 meetings and
actively participating, Graham-Hampton said.
"Having a board member cast votes under ‘holdover status'
when there is more than a sufficient number of board members to conduct
business is problematic at best," Graham-Hampton said in a media release. "Commissioners
Court is conducting due diligence on finding a replacement volunteer board
member, which includes obtaining input from a committee. In the meantime,
it is necessary to clear up any legal confusion with regard to Mr. Henderson's
status, and to provide an opportunity to set a public hearing date if board
removal action is to be taken."
Commissioners meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Smith County
Courthouse Annex, at 200 E. Ferguson Avenue. The court will enter closed
session to discuss Henderson's resignation before returning to open session to
take action on the resignation.
On July 13, Henderson delivered the following letter to
commissioners:
"Due
to unforeseen circumstances, my business has had an opportunity to expand to
Tyler and with that expansion, I am unable to devote the time required to
continue on the ESD Board.
"In
today's economic times I consider this expansion is a blessing that has been
given to our family, our business, and Smith County community to able to grow
so rapidly and employ more people.
"I
have appreciated the opportunity to serve on this Board and I trust I have made
a positive contribution to the community.
"Therefore,
effective immediately I am resigning from the ESD Board."
"Sincerely,
"Mitch
Henderson"
