Bristol, Tennessee, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol City Council has appointed Matt Slagle to fill the vacancy left by Mayor Mark Hutton’s resignation. Slagle, a Sullivan County Commissioner, aims to tackle rising property taxes and will serve until the next election in November 2026. Vice Mayor Vince Turner is acting as mayor in the interim, while the Council faces discussions over proposed changes to the city’s charter regarding education management.
Bristol, Tennessee – The Bristol, Tennessee City Council has appointed Matt Slagle to fill the vacant seat created by the resignation of Mayor Mark Hutton. Hutton resigned effective September 2, 2025, to take on a permanent pastoral role, leaving his position after nearly a decade of service in various capacities within the city government.
The City Council’s selection of Slagle took place following Hutton’s departure, with the Council required to appoint a replacement from the same district within 30 days per the city’s charter. Slagle, who is currently a Sullivan County Commissioner, expressed enthusiasm for serving the Bristol community and made clear that addressing the city’s tax rate would be his top priority.
Slagle outlined his intention to relieve the financial burden faced by residents due to recent property tax increases that affect both city and county tax bills. Many citizens have echoed concerns regarding escalating property taxes, which has become a pressing issue in the area. He will serve in the City Council seat until the next regular election scheduled for November 2026.
Mark Hutton, prior to his resignation, had been involved in local governance for several years, serving on the City Council since 2022 after four years as a Sullivan County commissioner. Hutton expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him during his tenure and recognized several accomplishments achieved during his service.
Vice Mayor Vince Turner is currently functioning as mayor until the annual reorganization meeting set for January, where further leadership roles will be discussed. The City Council is also expected to deliberate on the appointment of a new vice mayor at their upcoming meeting on September 9.
In addition to the recent personnel changes, tensions have emerged concerning significant proposed revisions to the Bristol City Charter. These changes include establishing an education department within the city that would give the City Council authority over setting tuition for non-residents and capping non-resident student enrollment. Furthermore, proposed adjustments would allow the city recorder to serve as the treasurer for the Board of Education and to oversee the dispersal of funds.
Dr. Annette Tudor, representing the Bristol City Schools, highlighted that the school system was not involved in discussions regarding these proposed charter changes and raised questions about their necessity, citing the successful management of resources within the school system. Hutton countered these claims, asserting that the City Council had provided opportunities for school board members to discuss the proposals.
The upcoming discussions are expected to navigate these tensions as Bristol seeks to balance governance between the City Council and the education sector, aiming to facilitate effective communication and collaborative decision-making for the benefit of the community.
Key Details
- Appointment of Matt Slagle as City Council member following Mark Hutton’s resignation.
- Slagle’s primary focus includes addressing property tax increases.
- Mark Hutton served nearly a decade in various government roles.
- Ongoing discussions about proposed changes to the Bristol City Charter.
- Vice Mayor Vince Turner currently serving as acting mayor.
Background Context
The Bristol City Council’s structure necessitates that any vacancy be filled in accordance with city charter guidelines. Hutton’s resignation and Slagle’s appointment illustrate the dynamic nature of local governance and the challenges associated with municipal finance in the face of increasing tax burdens.
FAQ
Who has been appointed to fill the vacated seat on the Bristol City Council?
Sullivan County Commissioner Matt Slagle has been appointed to fill the empty seat left by the resignation of Mayor Mark Hutton.
What priority does Matt Slagle plan to focus on as he assumes office?
Slagle plans to address the city’s tax rate as a priority, acknowledging the burden of property tax increases on residents.
How long will Matt Slagle serve on the City Council?
Slagle will serve until the city’s next regular election in November 2026.
What are some proposed changes to the Bristol City Charter?
Proposed changes include the creation of an education department, the ability for the City Council to set tuition for non-residents, and making the city recorder the treasurer for the Board of Education.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Council Member | Matt Slagle appointed to replace Mark Hutton |
| Term Duration | Until November 2026 |
| Key Focus | Address city tax rate |
| Current Mayor | Vince Turner acting as mayor |
| Proposed Charter Changes | Creation of education department, tuition setting for non-residents |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Bristol Community Mourns Cherished Residents
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Additional Resources
- WJHL News
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- WCYB News
- Google Search: Mark Hutton Bristol
- Supertalk 929
- Google Scholar: Tax Policies Bristol Tennessee
- WCYB News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee City Governance
- WJHL News
- Google News: Bristol City Council charter changes
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
