Resident submits petition to remove Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby

At the Carter County commission’s first meeting since Mayor Patty Woodby fired emergency management director Billy Harrell, resident James Byrd submitted a petition to remove Woodby from office during his public comments. In December’s meeting, Woodby accused Harrell of having no emergency plan when Helene hit. Documents obtained by WCYB from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency confirmed that statement was false and that Woodby signed the plan. Woodby fired Harrell the day after his interview with WCYB to refute her claim. He’s now asking for a $1 million settlement and evidence for a potential lawsuit. County attorney Josh Hardin advised commissioners not to discuss the situation until a closed session at the end of the meeting. Commissioner Danny Deal made a motion to censure Woodby during the meeting but withdrew it after Hardin’s reminder to avoid the subject. The petition for Woodby’s removal was submitted to Hardin. Tennessee law states proceedings to remove a county office holder can be started in limited circumstances when at least 10 citizens file in court. State law also requires a county attorney to investigate written complaints of wrongdoing. Mayor Woodby was not present at the meeting.