Evitte Parrish will now serve as acting mayor of Chickamauga following the removal of former Mayor Trey Deck by the Chickamauga City Council.
The council voted 4-to-1 to remove Deck from office after a city council-led investigation into multiple allegations of racist, sexual, inappropriate and offensive conduct.
City officials confirmed to WRCB-TV that Parrish, who currently serves as a city council member and mayor pro tem, has assumed the mayor’s duties under the city charter.
Under changes made to Chickamauga’s charter by the state legislature more than a decade ago, special elections are no longer held to fill vacancies. Instead, if the mayor or a city council member vacates office, resigns or is removed, the position is filled automatically by appointment or by the mayor pro tem stepping into the role. As a result, no special election will be held.
The removal followed a public hearing conducted as part of the city’s formal review process. After considering evidence presented during the hearing, including allegations of sexual harassment and the use of racist language, the council voted to remove Deck from office.
In a statement following the vote, the city said the hearing was held to ensure a fair and transparent review of serious concerns involving the mayor. The council stated that the conduct described during the hearing did not reflect the values of the city or the standards expected of public officials, and acknowledged that the situation has caused division within the community.
Councilman Matthew Nave told WRCB-TV that Parrish will serve as acting mayor until the seat is up for election in 2027.