Red Bank commission appoints interim city court judge; appointee says he will run in August

The Red Bank Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 26-1898 to appoint Brian Hoss as interim Red Bank City Court judge until the August election.

City attorney Mr. Stults told the commission the action follows the charter and state law after Judge Johnny Houston’s extended medical absence. Stults said the charter allows declaring the office vacant after a judge is unavailable for an extended period and that the interim judge must be a resident of Red Bank and a Tennessee-licensed attorney in good standing. He recommended Hoss and said Hoss had taken qualifying papers the same day.

"He has practiced for 25 years," Mr. Stults said, and recommended Hoss based on his reputation and local ties. Commissioners moved and seconded the resolution and voted unanimously to approve the appointment.

After the vote, Brian Hoss introduced himself to the commission. "We moved to Red Bank in 2015," Hoss said, describing his 25 years of legal practice and his long-standing professional relationship with former Judge Johnny Houston. Hoss said he had picked up his qualifying papers and "I plan to run and I appreciate your support." The commission congratulated him and thanked him for his willingness to serve through the election.

Stults told the commission the appointment is intended to preserve the court’s operations and to comply with the city charter and relevant state rules; he noted the city’s concurrent jurisdiction arrangements and the narrow qualifications required for a judge in that role.

The next procedural step is the August election for the seat; commissioners said election arrangements are moving forward with the election commission. The resolution names Hoss to serve until a successor is elected and qualified.

No public comments were offered on the appointment at the time of the vote.