The Crossville City Council voted Tuesday not to appoint a replacement for the late Councilman James Mayberry, leaving the seat vacant for the remaining four months of his term.

During the special called meeting on July 28, 2026, the council first approved a resolution declaring the seat officially vacant. This clears the way for the position to appear on the November ballot as a special election.

Council members discussed options allowed under the city charter. While they have the authority to make a temporary appointment, several expressed reluctance to give an unelected individual a short-term advantage on the council.

Mayor R.J. Crawford and other members noted that with only four months remaining until the new council is sworn in (expected December 5), an appointment was unnecessary. They emphasized honoring Mayberry’s status as an elected official by letting voters decide his successor in the upcoming election.

The motion not to fill the seat passed unanimously.

The decision means the remaining council members will operate with four voting members through the end of the year, potentially leading to occasional 2-2 ties on issues.