The Sevierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted on Monday to ratify a change in the employment status of City Administrator Dustin Smith, moving him from suspended with pay to suspended without pay as he faces a pending domestic violence charge.
Smith was initially placed on administrative suspension with pay on Sept. 29, 2026, following his arrest three days prior by Washington County authorities. The decision to cut his compensation took effect on Oct. 22, 2026, after a scheduled Oct. 21 court appearance was postponed until Dec. 7.
In a letter addressed to Interim City Administrator Doug Tarwater, Mayor Robbie Fox explained that he had contacted members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen individually and received their agreement to alter Smith's compensation status prior to the formal board meeting.
Mayor Fox wrote in the letter that the decision was driven by concerns among board members regarding the ongoing use of public funds during the prolonged wait for the next court date. He stated that changing Smith's employment status was not intended to imply guilt or innocence regarding the domestic violence charge, but was instead an effort to remain fair to both the taxpayers of Sevierville and to Smith. The letter formally asked Tarwater to execute the administrative and payroll adjustments required to implement the unpaid status effective Oct. 22, 2026.
Although Mayor Fox was not present at the Monday meeting, the board of aldermen formally ratified the employment status change without any public discussion among members.
Smith, who is represented by Sevier County attorney Bryan Delius, was released on bond following his arrest and has maintained his innocence. In a statement released through the city, Smith noted that he respects and supports the board's decision while the legal process moves forward, adding that he remains confident in the legal system and trusts that the truth will prevail when he has the opportunity to address the matter.
Smith has been employed by the City of Sevierville since 2015. He was elevated to the role of City Administrator at the start of 2025, succeeding former administrator Russell Treadway after Treadway retired from the position.
The charge against Smith stems from a late-night incident in Washington County. According to details recorded in the arrest warrant affidavit by Corporal Pete Rivas, Washington County deputies were dispatched to a residence in Jonesborough around 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, after emergency dispatchers reported a domestic disturbance.
In the affidavit, Rivas reported observing visible injuries on the alleged victim's face and arms when officers arrived at the scene. These documented injuries included a cut located near the corner of her right eye, scratches along her right forearm, and a bruise on her forearm. The affidavit states that the woman admitted to striking Smith once in the face in self-defense during an altercation that occurred inside a vehicle.
Based on the physical evidence and the visible marks documented at the scene, Rivas concluded in the warrant that Smith was the primary aggressor in the encounter. The officer also noted in the filing that Smith appeared to be intoxicated when deputies arrived. However, the warrant specifies that due to a lack of evidence showing Smith was intoxicated while operating the vehicle, no further charges or actions were taken regarding driving under the influence.
A subsequent note added to the arrest warrant on Sept. 28, 2026, by General Sessions Judge William Monk recorded that the alleged victim later stated the altercation was a big misunderstanding and stated that Smith did not attempt to strike her.
Smith's next court appearance in Washington County remains set for Dec. 7, during which time his unpaid suspension from Sevierville municipal operations will remain in effect.
