Every four years Knox County voters elect a mayor. But how many people know exactly what that mayor does?

Here’s the million-dollar question, if you don’t know the responsibilities of the office, how can you ensure you’re voting for the right person for the job.  

Knox County Government 101

That’s why we’ve launched our new series: Knox County Government 101. We want to empower you, our readers; with clear, accurate information about what each elected official actually does – so you can vote for the best person to fill the position.

The Mayor vs County Commission

Several weeks ago, we covered the Knox County Commission and the power it wields as the county’s legislative body (the group that passes laws, sets policy, and approves the budget). The mayor serves as the executive counterpart -the person who carries out those laws and policies on a day-to-day basis. The two branches work together to keep Knox County running smoothly.

While county commissioners  are part-time positions (while they might put in full-time hours), the Knox County Mayor is a full-time role responsible for the day-to-day management of Knox County government.

The Mayor’s Responsibilities

According to the Knox County Charter (Sec 3.03):

“The Mayor shall be the head of the Executive Branch of Knox County Government, responsible for the exercising of all executive and administrative functions of the County Government and shall be the chief fiscal officer of the County.”

To put it simply:  You can think of the mayor as the county’s CEO, CFO, and chief administrator all rolled into one.

As the county’s CEO, the mayor is responsible for the following:

• Provides the overall direction and leadership for county government operations
• Appoints members to county boards, commissions, and committees (most appointments require confirmation by the County Commission)
• Represents the county at public events, outreach programs, and official meetings
• Supervises executive departments (such as Finance, Public Works, Engineering, and Parks and Recreation)

As the county’s CFO the mayor:

• Prepares and submits the annual county budget to the County Commission for approval
• Has the sole power and authority to enter into contracts on behalf of Knox County (However all contracts greater than $50,000 must be approved by county commission)
• Oversees the county’s finances, budgets, and expenditures

As the county administrator, the mayor:

• Has the “care and custody of all the county property” (except property assigned by law to other offices)
• Oversees the day-to-day county operations
• Serves as a nonvoting ex officio member of each County Commission committee

What the Mayor Does Not Do

It may surprise you, but the county mayor does not oversee the sheriff’s department. The sheriff is an independently elected official who exercises separate authority under Tennessee state law.

The mayor also does not control these other offices, although they work in conjunction with him/her. These are separately elected positions that answer directly to the voters (they are “constitutional officers” under Tennessee law.

• District Attorney General
• County Clerk
• Property Assessor
• Register of Deeds

Here’s An Easy Way to See the Difference (click on table to enlarge)

If you’d like more information:

• Full Knox County Charter (including Sec. 3.03: Municode Library
• Official Knox County Mayor’s Office page

Check back frequently because this series will continue with breakdowns of other offices, so you’ll always know exactly who does what in Knox County government.