Tenn. Code Ann. § 5-1-203: Authority to adopt charter form

(a) Each county in this state may adopt a charter form of government as provided in this part.

(b) Such charter when complete shall result in the creation and establishment of an alternate form of county government to perform all the governmental and corporate functions previously performed by the county.

(c) Such charter form of government shall replace the existing form if approved by a majority of the voters in a referendum.