Council withdraws nomination of James Satterby for Spring Hill police chief; renomination planned

The Spring Hill mayor announced on May 22 that his nomination of James Satterby as the city’s next chief of police will be withdrawn from consideration at the meeting and reintroduced at the next council meeting.

City staff described Satterby’s background in prepared remarks, saying he has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, holds the rank of major at his current agency and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. The mayor said the candidate had intended to attend the meeting but the city requested he not appear after a last‑minute change.

Several councilmembers said they were uncomfortable voting on an appointment when the candidate was not present and with materials being made available shortly before the meeting. As a result, the mayor said he would withdraw the nomination "for now" and renominate the same person at the next meeting so council members could ask questions and vote.

No appointment vote occurred; the council did not take a formal vote on the chief appointment at this meeting.