Bristol, Tennessee, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol, Tennessee City Council is accepting applications to fill the vacant East District council seat due to Mayor Mark Hutton’s recent resignation. Interested candidates must meet eligibility requirements and apply by September 25. The council will interview candidates on September 30 and appoint a new member that day. The chosen appointee will be sworn in on October 7 and serve until the next city election.
Bristol, Tennessee City Council Opens Applications for Vacant Council Seat Following Mayor Mark Hutton’s Resignation
The Bristol, Tennessee City Council has announced it is accepting applications to fill a vacant council seat created by the recent resignation of Mayor Mark Hutton. The vacancy follows Hutton’s departure on September 2, 2025, as he transitions to a permanent pastoral role, marking the end of nearly a decade of public service on the council.
Applications for the vacant East District council seat officially opened on September 10, 2025, and will remain open until 5 p.m. on September 25, 2025. Interested candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and having been a resident of Bristol and Tennessee for at least one year.
According to city guidelines, applicants are ineligible if they are currently employed by the city, serve in another government office, are on active military duty, or have certain felony convictions unless their rights have been restored. The council will review the applications and conduct interviews during a work session set for September 30, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Following the interview process, a new council member will be appointed during a special called meeting on the same day. The chosen appointee will be sworn in on October 7, 2025, and is expected to serve until the next regular city election in November 2026.
Council Structure and Leadership Changes
In the interim, Vice Mayor Vince Turner is fulfilling the role of mayor following Hutton’s resignation. The city charter requires the council to appoint a new member from the same district within 30 days of any resignation. Thus, the forthcoming appointments will adhere to this timeline.
During the council meeting scheduled for September 9, 2025, members are expected to formally declare the council seat vacant, elect a new vice mayor, and deliberate on the appointment process for the new member.
Context on the Council and Public Service
The Bristol City Council is an essential governing body responsible for making decisions affecting the community, with members serving various terms. Hutton’s resignation reflects significant changes within the council and the community’s leadership dynamic, given his nearly ten years of representation and service. Filling the vacant seat is crucial to ensure continued governance and representation for the East District residents.
As Bristol looks ahead, the new council member will step into a pivotal role, contributing to decisions that impact the local community and its development.
FAQ Section
What are the eligibility requirements for the vacant council seat in Bristol?
Candidates must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Bristol and Tennessee for at least one year. Additionally, they cannot be employed by the city, serve in another government office, be on active military duty, or have certain felony convictions unless their rights have been restored.
When is the deadline to apply for the council seat?
The application period is open until 5 p.m. on September 25, 2025.
How and when will the new member be appointed?
The city council will review applications and conduct interviews during a work session on September 30, 2025. A new member will be appointed during a special called meeting on the same day and sworn in on October 7, 2025.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Opening | September 10, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 5 p.m. on September 25, 2025 |
| Interview Date | September 30, 2025, at 6 p.m. |
| Appointment Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Swearing-in Date | October 7, 2025 |
| Term Duration | Until November 2026 |
| Current Mayor | Vice Mayor Vince Turner |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Body Camera Footage Released in Police Incident at Casino
Virginia Governor Establishes Disaster Assistance Fund
Bristol, TN Residents Protest Proposed Charter Changes Affecting Schools
Tennessee to Host First Privately Funded Nuclear Fuel Recycling Plant
Tennessee Invests Billions in Nuclear Fuel Recycling Facility
Tennessee Leads Growth in Electric Vehicle Manufacturing
ETSU Health Family Medicine Bristol Honored with Community Service Award
Bristol Mayor Dr. Mark Hutton Resigns to Pursue Pastoral Role
Bristol City Council Proposes Education Department Amid Opposition
ETSU Health Family Medicine Bristol Recognized for Community Service
Additional Resources
- WJHL: Bristol TN City Council Application
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- WXBQ: Bristol TN Data Centers Moratorium
- Google Search: Bristol Tennessee Data Centers Moratorium
- Herald Courier: Bristol TN Government News
- Google Scholar: Bristol Tennessee City Council
- WCYB: Mayor Mark Hutton Resignation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Tennessee City Council
- WCYB: Bristol TN Tax Freeze Program
- Google News: Bristol Tennessee Tax Freeze Program
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.
