RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The Rutherford County Ethics Committee convened on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, to address a complaint filed against the Rutherford County Property Assessor's Office. The committee heard from Rob Mitchell, the Property Assessor, and Richard Kincaide, the individual who lodged the initial complaint. Kincaide accused senior officials in the Assessor's Office of delaying property appraisal value changes until 2026… Kincaide went on to state before the committee…

During the hearing, Kincaide further claimed that Chance Baker, his manager at the Assessor's Office, suggested that Mitchell was aware of these alleged delays… Mitchell defended his office and addressed some of the accusations, emphasizing the integrity of his management… Mitchell also said... The property assessor then highlighted…

Despite his defense, the hearing revealed widespread concerns among the public and former employees about Mitchell's leadership, citing multiple employee complaints.

Former employees like Richard Wright, who worked in the Assessor's Office between 2011 and 2016, and John Cortez voiced their worries during the hearing...  Commissioner Robert Peay requested the results of the Tennessee Comptroller's Office fact-finding mission be submitted to the committee… Additionally, the County Ethics Committee has asked the Rutherford County District Attorney General to investigate these allegations further… That was County Trustee Teb Batey, Chairman.

The complaints against Mitchell include unethical behavior, wrongful property recordings, and conflicts of interest. Specific accusations involve delaying property value updates, hiring unqualified individuals with political connections, and awarding raises based on favoritism rather than merit. A senior manager, Chance Baker, is also accused of working as a real estate agent, presenting a potential conflict of interest.

The whistleblower, a concerned employee fearing retaliation, originally called for a full investigation to restore public trust and morale within the Property Assessor's Office. Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr said prior to the meeting… The Mayor also expressed the need for transparency.

Again, the Ethics Committee has asked that the DA investigate the complaints. See previous news story HERE.

Photo Below:  Richard Kincaide, the individual who lodged the initial complaint.