Foster D. Arnett, Jr. - Knox County Clerk
Welcome to the Knox County Clerk’s website. The Knox County Clerk is a constitutional officer elected to a four-year term. One of the Clerk’s primary functions is to keep the official minutes and records of the activities of the Knox County Commission and its Standing Committees. These records are maintained in the Commission Library in our offices at the Old County Courthouse. The County Clerk also maintains records of marriage licenses and automobile titles issued in the County.
The County Clerk also has the responsibility to receive fees, set by state law, for various transactions, such as motor vehicle registration and automobile titles, drivers’ license renewals, notary commissions, marriage licenses and passports. We assist the State Department of Revenue in collecting automobile sales tax and privilege taxes. All revenues in excess of operating expenses are transferred to the County general fund for the maintenance and improvement of public services.
Foster D. Arnett, Jr. is a native of Knox County and a graduate of the University of Tennessee. Mr. Arnett is an effective communications specialist with over 30 years of demonstrated success in investigating and reporting news, building relationships with media, government and businesses, and increasing awareness of relevant topics. He initiated and implemented a unique television program designed to increase awareness of the myths and dangers associated with drug and alcohol abuse. While serving as the Public Information Officer for the Knoxville Police Department, Mr. Arnett founded the National Information Officer’s Association in 1989. Currently over 700 members convene annually to analyze and develop practices for improving service to both the public and the governments they serve. Mr. Arnett has been a valuable asset to local business owners, meeting with them to assess crime-related problems in their areas. He devised a plan of action to work with the KPD to resolve issues and reduce crime in problem areas. Business owners reported dramatic drops in crime and substantial improvement in sales.
Mr. Arnett has wide-based business experience in Knox County. He worked in the commercial construction industry as Director of Business Development for Sequoyah Limited, LLC, a successful contractor in Knoxville. Due in part to Mr. Arnett’s leadership, Sequoyah Limited’s business increased over 600% in four years. The company is still benefiting from the many relationships built during Mr. Arnett’s tenure there. Mr. Arnett was also the President of Corporate Communications for Digital
Media 1, a business design and marketing company. As part of his efforts, he attracted bestselling author Patricia Cornwell as DM1’s most high-profile client. Prior to running for Knox County Clerk, Mr. Arnett ran a home-based business dealing with air and water quality issues.
Immediately upon taking office, Foster Arnett initiated changes in the Clerk’s Office staffing which resulted in a tax payer savings of $154,000 per year. Within four weeks of taking the Oath of Office, Mr. Arnett initiated a repayment plan to local business owners who overpaid their business taxes. Prior to Mr. Arnett’s arrival, business owners were only refunded overpayments if they discovered the error themselves and requested a refund. For more information on overpayment refunds, click here to view the newsletter, “@ Work for the Clerk”. He also cancelled paid time off for employee birthdays and holiday shopping, saving taxpayers even more money.
Mr. Arnett has an open door policy and would be most happy to speak with you in person or over the phone. The Knox County Clerk’s Office belongs to the people of Knox County.
The Knox County Clerk’s Office now accepts Visa and MasterCard Credit & Debit card payments for most services.*Convenience fees do apply. See Clerk for details.
