SMITH COUNTY (KYTX) -- The Emergency Services District #2 board that runs most of Smith County's volunteer fire departments will operate without one of its members for the time being.
Commissioners said Monday morning that there was a legal problem with former board president Mitch Henderson's decision continuing to participate in meetings. Henderson submitted his resignation in July, but told CBS 19 he continued participating in meetings based on legal advice from the ESD's attorney.
His supporters say the city will be worse off without his involvement in the ESD, which they say has led to things like employing a business manager with experience fighting fires.
"To this point, they've been able to just say 'I want this, this, this, this and this on this fire truck,' and frankly no one on the board knew whether they needed it or not."
The board ended up voting not to take further action against Henderson, saying they've received his personal assurance he won't be at any more meetings.
Henderson told CBS 19 the ESD's lawyer said he needed to be there until the board filled his position. Commissioners said they're working on that, but gave no time frame for finishing the search for a new member.
