SEVIERVILLE — Sevierville City Administrator Dustin Smith has been suspended without pay, city officials announced on Thursday. This change in status comes as a hearing date for domestic assault charges against Smith has been moved to December 7 in Washington County. The decision to implement an unpaid suspension also follows the rescheduling of a status hearing that had been set for Wednesday, October 22, 2026.
Smith was initially suspended with pay on September 29, following his arrest on September 26 at a Washington County residence. The incident involved a woman identified as his girlfriend, who stated he struck her while they were driving home from a wedding earlier that day. Smith denied hitting her that night. Records from Washington County indicate that days later, the alleged victim stated he did not strike her, describing it as a "big misunderstanding." A note initialized by Judge William Monk reflects this statement.
Public Works Director Doug Tarwater is currently serving as interim administrator and will continue in that role. Smith has been free on bond since his arrest. His status hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was rescheduled because the prosecutor assigned to the case was absent due to a family emergency, according to information shared by Sevierville. Sevier County attorney Bryan Delius is representing Smith.
Mayor Robbie Fox addressed the Board's decision regarding the unpaid suspension, stating, “The Board recognizes that this is a difficult situation for everyone involved, and we remain committed to treating all parties fairly.” Fox further explained the rationale, adding, “While Mr. Smith is entitled to due process, we also have a responsibility to the taxpayers of Sevierville. Given the additional delay in these proceedings, the Board does not believe it is appropriate to continue a paid suspension over the next six weeks.”
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen did not hold an official public meeting to reach this decision. Public Information Officer Bob Stahlke indicated that Mayor Fox consulted aldermen individually to gain their concurrence on the matter. Stahlke stated, “Because a decision needed to be made without delay, Mayor Fox contacted each alderman for their concurrence in this matter.”
This method of decision-making has raised concerns regarding Tennessee's Open Meetings law. Deborah Fisher, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, commented on the situation, stating, "If the mayor contacted each one for what appears to be a vote on suspending the city administrator without pay, this could be considered a secret vote by a governing body that would be in violation of the Open Meetings Act.” Fisher suggested that the board could have discussed the matter at a regular meeting and established contingencies beforehand, or convened a special-called meeting to decide after the scheduled hearing. Stahlke, however, stated that City Attorney Ed Owens advised the mayor that he could consult with aldermen due to the urgent need for a decision and public notification. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen plans to address this item at its November 2 regular meeting for ratification.
In a statement included in the city’s press release about his changed status, Smith indicated his acceptance of the new terms. “I respect and support the Board’s decision while this process moves forward,” Smith stated. “ I maintain my innocence and trust in God and the legal system. I look forward to the opportunity to address this matter at the necessary time, and I am confident the truth will prevail.”
Smith assumed the role of Sevierville city administrator in January 2025. He has been employed by the city since 2015, following the completion of his master’s degree at ETSU. His previous roles within the city included manager of GIS and development director, and he served as deputy administrator from 2023 to 2025.
