It will be up to the remaining eight County Commission members whether to name an interim replacement for Commissioner Curtis Adams when he leaves the panel in early May.
County Attorney Rheubin Taylor said a law was passed in 2008 that allows governmental bodies to leave posts unfilled if there is a scheduled election within 120 days.
The general election for the District 8 seat will be in August.
Mr. Adams had already announced that he was not planning to seek a new four-year term.
He was selected Tuesday night as the new city manager for Crossville, Tn.
Mr. Adams is currently the County Commission chairman.
Mr. Adams said the Crossville City Council chose him at a special called meeting.
He said he had not met four of the council members who selected him for the $105,000-per-year post.