Bristol, Tennessee, October 3, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol City Council has officially appointed Sullivan County Commissioner Matt Slagle to fill the vacant East District council seat, following the resignation of Mark Hutton. The appointment was made during a recent council meeting. Slagle’s term will extend until the next regular election in November 2026. He plans to resign from his county commission role before being sworn in on October 7. As his tenure begins, Slagle is enthusiastic about tackling critical city issues, including the recently approved tax rate hike.
Bristol, Tennessee – The Bristol, Tennessee City Council has appointed Sullivan County Commissioner Matt Slagle to fill the vacant East District council seat left by the resignation of former Mayor Mark Hutton. The appointment was made during the city council meeting held on Tuesday night.
Slagle’s term will last until the city’s next regular election, which is scheduled for November 2026. In accordance with city regulations, the council was required to choose a replacement within 30 days of Hutton’s departure. A total of 12 applications were submitted for the position; however, only 11 applicants were found eligible since one applicant resided outside the East District.
The eligible candidates included Alexander Paris Brumlik, Jesse James Campbell, Michael Eugene Faust, Darrell Anthony Harris, Joseph Logan McCabe, Mitchell Glenn Ostrout, Cade Alexander Parks, Mark Keven Reeter, Matt Slagle, Eric Randall Spicer, and Tom Joseph Williams. Among these candidates, Slagle, Parks, and Brumlik emerged as the top contenders, as noted during the decision-making process.
During the voting, Slagle secured three votes from Mayor Vince Turner, Vice Mayor Lea Powers, and Councilwoman Rae Akard. In contrast, Councilwoman Margaret Feierabend cast her vote for another candidate, Cade Parks. Following this appointment, Slagle is expected to be sworn in at the city council’s next meeting on October 7. Before taking the oath, he plans to resign from his position on the county commission.
Upon his appointment, Slagle expressed enthusiasm about serving the Bristol community and emphasized a focus on addressing various city issues, with a particular concern for the current tax rate. In July, the Bristol City Council approved a tax rate hike, which is presently set at $1.87 per $100 of assessed value.
City Manager Kelli Bourgeois commented on the diverse backgrounds of the applicants and clarified that having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify candidates from consideration. Mayor Turner conducted research and had discussions with several candidates prior to the vote to ensure a well-informed decision.
About Matt Slagle
In addition to his role as a council member, Slagle serves as the president and chief operating officer of FlexTech Solutions, a company that specializes in supporting the logistics and supply chain industry.
Background on the Vacancy
Mark Hutton’s resignation, which created this vacancy on the Bristol City Council, has resulted in the swift appointment process, reflecting the urgency and commitment of the council to maintain representation for the East District. The appointment of Slagle is seen as a strategic choice, considering his background and community involvement.
Next Steps
Slagle will take the oath of office on October 7, officially beginning his term. His experience as a county commissioner and in the business sector may contribute valuable insights into local governance and economic development as he takes on the challenges associated with his new role.
FAQ
Who was appointed to the Bristol City Council’s East District council seat?
Sullivan County Commissioner Matt Slagle was selected to fill the East District council seat.
When will Matt Slagle start his term?
Slagle will be sworn in at the council’s meeting on October 7.
How long will Slagle serve on the City Council?
Slagle will serve until the city’s next regular election in November 2026.
What is the current tax rate in Bristol?
The current tax rate is set at $1.87 per $100 of assessed value.
Key Features of the Appointment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointee | Matt Slagle |
| Vacancy Created By | Mark Hutton’s Resignation |
| Term Duration | Until November 2026 |
| Number of Applications | 12 |
| Eligible Candidates | 11 |
| Swearing-In Date | October 7 |
| Current Tax Rate | $1.87 per $100 of assessed value |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WCYB
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- WJHL
- Google Search: Matt Slagle Bristol City Council
- Herald Courier
- Google Scholar: Bristol City Council
- WCYB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Tennessee
- WCYB
- Google News: Mark Hutton resignation Bristol City Council
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.
