Catoosa Magistrate Judge Mike Helton says he will resign his post to try and become the new Catoosa County manager.

Commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to appoint Mike Helton as interim county manager to replace retiring county manager Ron Brown. Brown said he is retiring to deal with his struggles with vascular disease.

Commissioners approved a consulting agreement with Brown that will keep him available to county department heads and commissioners two days each week until his 65th birthday next July.

According to Carl Henson, Catoosa chief financial officer, the county will pay Brown full pay through September and October and then continue paying only his health in-surance premiums until his 65th birthday.

Commission Chairman Bill Clark said the county will soon begin advertising process for county manager.

Helton, 45, said Aug. 22 that he plans to apply for the job. He said he hopes through his functions as interim manager and the application process, he will prove himself and win the full-time position.

“I always stayed in touch with what is going on in community,” Helton said. “I am not anticipating difficulties. I am looking forward to taking over management and working with existing leaders.

“I feel I have a great working relationship with current leadership, including those in the various county departments and constitutional offices,” he said. “I think that will be very beneficial. I want to express my appreciation to commissioners for the opportunity to serve.”

In addition to his work on the court since 2001, Helton previously served with the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department for five years leaving as captain of detectives. He also served with the East Ridge Police Department for 11 years.

Brown served 16 years with the county in various roles, the last two as county manager.

Commissioner Jim Emberson said the county is losing a valuable employee.

“His leadership has been honest, straight forward and decent,” he said. “His approach will be a model as we go forward.”

Emberson added he will miss Brown’s levelheaded guidance of the county.

Brown will retire his post at the end of the month.