By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was an emotional evening as Paris Mayor Carlton Gerrell and Commissioner Gayle Griffith bid adieu after decades of service to the city commission.
Both Gerrell and Griffith are retiring from their posts. Griffith has served 29 years on the commission, having been elected in 1993. He served ten years as Vice Mayor. Gerrell has served 12 years on the commission and was elected Mayor in 2014.
A crowd of city and county officials and employees were on hand for a reception before the meeting–including former County Mayor Brent Greer and current County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway. Gifts were given and proclamations for the pair were read at the meeting that followed.
Ridgeway told both: “Thanks so much for your years of service. It has not gone unnoticed. I’ve known Gayle all my life and it’s been nothing but a pleasure working with Carlton for the last two years (since Ridgeway was elected)”.
Long-time Commissioner Sam Tharpe said, “Gayle is a special gentleman” and noted Griffith’s lengthy service to the community. “He’s a hard worker and says what’s on his mind”. Tharpe noted Gerrell’s dedication to the city. “I see the love he has for people and the community. The passion goes strong.”
Vice Mayor Jackie Jones said it has been a ‘delight the past seven years’ serving on the commission and getting to know Griffith and Gerrell. “You’re going to be missed.”
Commissioner John Etheridge noted he is ‘the new kid on the block’ and hasn’t served as long with them, but said both “worked hard to make things happen for the community.”
City Manager Kim Foster said she has looked to both men for guidance over the years. “Carlton, I knew I could always count on you,” she said. “And Gayle. I can’t think of a better cheerleader or the city of Paris.”
Both Griffith and Gerrell voiced their appreciation to the commission and the community.
With no opposition on the November 8 general election ballot, incoming City Commissioners will be Kathy Ray and Vickey Roberts, both of whom were in attendance and who are regular attendees at city commission meetings.
In other business during the short session:
–Business Owner Kevin Buie recounted a recent accident in which he fell on an uneven sidewalk on E. Wood Street. He said he stumbled and fell on his face, causing contusions to his face. He said despite his injuries, he was lucky that he didn’t require hospitalization. He thanked Paris Officers Dereck Greenhill and Michael Ramos for their assistance but he said he wanted to bring the city’s attention to the condition of some of the downtown sidewalks.
–City Finance Director Traci Shannon said retail sales tax revenue continues to be strong. It was ahead 4.0 percent for the month of August compared to last August and is also up 7.07 percent fiscal year-to-date.
Seven business licenses issued in September: Affordable Comfort; Joelle Lynn Boutique; Gary’s Wholesale; Crims Home Repair; St. John Soft Wash; The Studio and new owner for Sunrise Inn.
–Foster reported the city has been awarded a $1.164 M grant for sidewalk project along Fairgrounds and Royal Oak Roads.
Photo: From left, Mayor Gerrell and Commissioner Gayle Griffith. Shannon McFarlin photo.