Sanitation Leadership Confirmation

LISA HOBBS - News Editor

Tonya Miller Herman has been officially verified as the county’s next Sanitation Department Director.

Commissioners Scott Kelly, Ron Lee, Christy Ross, Charles Dotson, Ken Martin, Chris Rippy, Blaine Wilcher, Brad Hillis, Donna Smith, Phillip Stout, Gary Martin, Tommy Savage, Scott Rubley, Carlene Brown, Steven D. Helton, Gary Prater, Cole Taylor, Micheal Bell, Steve M. Glenn and Kenny Moffitt voted in favor of the appointment. Absent were Carl D. Bouldin, Randy England, James Hines and Cam Montgomery.

The decision came after the resignation of Russell Pedigo, a letter from him also accepted unanimously.

“Thank you so much for offering me the position of Sanitation Director with Warren County Sanitation Department,” the letter stated. “I truly appreciate the offer and the time you took to discuss the role and the department’s goals with me. After careful consideration, I have decided not to accept the position at this time. This was not an easy decision, but it is the best path for me professionally right now. I understand you likely have a strong pool of candidates, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the runner-up on their selection. I wish them great success in their new position and hope they enjoy working with your team.”

Pedigo, a longtime Warren County Schools maintenance employee, accepted the job offer on May 4 and was approved by the Warren County Commission on May 18. He had been selected to succeed current Sanitation Director Josh Roberts, who is preparing to become Superintendent of Roads on Sept. 1.

Herman is scheduled to begin work July 6.