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By Robert Sorrell

Star Correspondent

A citizen presented the Carter County attorney with a petition Tuesday evening seeking to remove Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby from office.

Woodby, who did not attend the Carter County Commission meeting, faced criticism over the firing of Billy Harrell, the emergency management director, and her handling of the hurricane response.

Resident James Byrd submitted the petition and supporting documents to County Attorney Josh Hardin, claiming that those who signed it expressed no confidence in Woodby.

“Yesterday, we had a change at the executive level of our country,” Byrd said. “I believe almost everyone in here would agree that was a good change, and we are lucky to have that change. From what I’ve been told from everyone that I’ve spoken with, it’s time that we have a change at the executive level of Carter County.”

Byrd said those who signed the petition asked Hardin to fulfill his duty regarding the matter.

“I hate it’s come to this, but this is what the majority of citizens want,” Byrd said.

Under state law, county officials may be ousted for reasons including knowing or willful misconduct in office, neglect of duties required by law, voluntary intoxication in a public place, illegal gambling, or any act violating penal statutes involving moral turpitude.

Ouster proceedings may be initiated by the attorney general, district attorney general, or county attorney, either independently or following a complaint, according to the state attorney general’s office.

Hardin did not respond to the petition, which Byrd claimed had six to eight times the required number of signatures. Hardin noted that a closed executive session would occur at the end of the meeting.

During the public comment period, resident Lawrence Street criticized Woodby’s handling of Harrell’s termination, recalling her praise for his performance following Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27, 2024.

“‘What a wonderful great job he’d done,’” Street said, quoting Woodby. “She hugged him. Last month, she had to knock him out of the way. Come on now. That ain’t right.”

Woodby previously stated that the county lacked an emergency plan. However, it was later revealed that a plan had been in place.

Former emergency management coordinator Gary Smith confirmed that he updated the plan in 2016 and offered to answer any questions commissioners might have.

Earlier in the meeting, several officeholders were requested to provide updates on various topics. However, several, including Mayor Woodby and interim emergency management director Shannon Winters, were absent. Communications Director Mark Ridings and Tax Assessor Shane Simerly were also not present.

Multiple commissioners expressed disappointment at the absence of these officeholders during the reports.