Kingston Springs election filing period opens as growth, sewer issues dominate town agenda

Two seats on the Kingston Springs Board of Commissioners are up for election this year: those currently held by Mayor Todd Verhoven and Vice Mayor Mike Hargis.

Both incumbents have already picked up qualifying petitions. Verhoven is seeking a second four-year term after first being elected in 2022, while Hargis is running for a third term after first joining the board in 2018. Both candidates were selected for their leadership positions in 2024. 

Unlike many Tennessee cities, Kingston Springs operates under a Board of Commissioners form of government. Rather than voters electing a mayor separately, residents vote for commissioners. After the election, the five-member board selects one commissioner to serve as mayor and another as vice mayor.

Residents interested in helping guide Kingston Springs through one of the most consequential periods in the town's recent history have until noon on Aug. 20 to qualify for the Nov. 3 municipal election.

Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms, with only a portion of the board standing for election every two years to provide continuity in town government.

This year's election comes as commissioners continue to navigate several significant issues, including long-term sewer infrastructure planning, continued residential and commercial growth, rising public safety costs and other decisions that will shape Kingston Springs for years to come.

While municipal races often attract only a handful of candidates, local elections can have an outsized impact on residents' daily lives, influencing everything from development and infrastructure to parks, budgeting and public services.

The last two Kingston Springs Board of Commissioners elections – 2024 and 2022 – were uncontested.

Candidates must reside within the Kingston Springs city limits to qualify.

The qualifying deadline is noon on Aug. 20, with the municipal election scheduled for Nov. 3. Early voting will take place Oct. 14-29.