The Knox County Commissioners named Bill Pursel as president and Barry Lester as vice president for 2026 during the board's first meeting of the year on Jan. 6.
According to a meeting video, County Administrator Jason Booth informed the commissioners that committee assignments largely remained unchanged from 2025. Notable changes included Commissioner Drenda Keesee joining the policy committee, while Pursel will serve on the executive committee. As the county prosecutor opted out of serving on the budget commission, Pursel will take that position. The commissioners also appointed Pursel as the county's official representative at the annual County Commissioners' Association meeting in 2026, with Lester serving as an alternate.
The video also revealed that Penny Doyle was reappointed as clerk for the Board of Commissioners. Robin Santo, the county's fiscal coordinator, will act as deputy clerk to ensure continuity in certifying resolutions and conducting business in Doyle's absence. Human Resources Director Courtney Lower was reaffirmed as Knox County's coordinator for Americans with Disabilities and Equal Employment Opportunity officer.
Additionally, Eric Simpson was reappointed as Knox County Apiary Inspector for bee hives. Job & Family Services Director Scott Boone received authority to act as the Knox County Board of Commissioners' designee for approving inner-county agreements and allocated funds.
During the meeting, it was approved that their schedule would remain on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On weeks with Monday holidays, they will not meet on Tuesday. A state statute mandates that the commission meets 54 times a year; in 2025, they convened 98 times.
