Sevierville’s suspended city administrator will no longer collect a paycheck while his domestic violence case winds through Washington County court. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen announced the change to Dustin Smith’s suspension status, moving him from paid to unpaid leave effective immediately, after his scheduled status hearing was pushed back to December 7.
Smith appeared in Washington County court with his attorney for what was supposed to be a routine status hearing tied to his September 26 arrest on a domestic violence charge, according to City of Sevierville, Tennessee Government. The hearing didn’t happen as planned. As reported by WATE, the assigned prosecutor could not appear because of a family emergency, forcing the court to postpone the matter to December 7.
That 47-day delay became the deciding factor for city leaders. The board determined it would not continue paying Smith’s salary while the case stretches further into the calendar, formally changing his suspension from paid to unpaid, effective immediately, the city said. Smith was first suspended with pay on September 29, three days after his arrest, the same report notes.
Mayor Cites Due Process, Board Says It Will Keep Watching
Sevierville Mayor Robbie Fox issued a statement on behalf of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen addressing the case, saying Smith is entitled to due process and that the board is committed to treating all parties fairly. Fox added that the board will continue monitoring the legal proceedings and will reevaluate Smith’s employment status as appropriate going forward.
Smith, who has served as Sevierville’s city administrator since January 2025, said he maintains his innocence. He said he respects and supports the board’s decision as the process moves forward, and that he trusts God and the legal system. Smith also said he is confident the truth will prevail and that he looks forward to addressing the matter when the time comes.
City Operations Continue Under Interim Leadership
With Smith sidelined, Public Works Director Doug Tarwater will continue serving as interim city administrator during his absence, a role he has now held since the initial suspension began. Tarwater has served as the city’s public works director since 2024. The city has said it remains committed to continuity of operations and maintaining service levels for residents and businesses while the case plays out.
The status hearing delay means Sevierville residents and city staff are now looking at a 47-day wait before the next scheduled court date. Until then, Smith remains off the payroll and the board has signaled it isn’t done watching the case closely before deciding what comes next for his job.
