The DeKalb County Commission is once again facing having to replace a commissioner after Third District County Commissioner Susannah Cripps announced last week that she is resigning her position. Cripps announced her resignation to County Mayor Matt Adcock personally on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 17.

In her announcement Cripps said, “It is regretful that my job schedule has made this necessary, but I truly believe this is for the best.”

Cripps was appointed to the county commission to in April 2021 to fill a vacancy, and was later elected to a full four-year term in August, 2022. The county commission will now have to appoint someone to fill her unexpired term, which ends on August 31, 2026.

Cripps’ resignation letter reads as follows:

“Dear Mayor Adcock, Colleagues, and fellow DeKalb Countians. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to represent the members of the Third Civil District of DeKalb County, Tennessee, first, by appointment, and, ultimately, by the votes of confidence from my constituents. I am, indeed, humbled by the continuing support demonstrated by countless residents of the Third Civil District.”

“I have always striven to serve my constituents without fear or favor and to exert my best efforts to improve the lives of all DeKalb Countians. Unfortunately, my current position as a community chain pharmacist precludes me from fulfilling my obligations and responsibilities, in a manner deemed satisfactory to myself, to those who elected me as well as my fellow Commissioners. Therefore, it is with great sadness that I must resign my seat as Third Civil District Commissioner effective immediately.”

“In closing, I charge my colleagues to come together to appoint a resident of the Third District who is determined to seek information and knowledge on all issues coming before this body, to question, to act fairly and justly, and to serve all DeKalb Countians with unparalleled excellence and courage.”

The DeKalb County Commission will vote on accepting Cripps’ resignation at their December meeting, and will accept nominations for anyone wishing to fill the position during their January meeting. Nominations will be made by county commissioners, and the seat will be filled by the one with the most votes at the meeting.

The commissioner will serve until the expiration of Cripps’ current term on August 31, 2026.