Staff Report

Allegations of missing funds at the Cumberland Fire Department have resulted in Kentucky State Police opening an investigation.

KSP Sgt. Jackie Pickrell verified that a complaint has been brought to KSP and a detective has been assigned to investigate.

Cumberland Mayor Carl Hatfield verified that an investigation is under way, but had no further comment.

A special called meeting of the Cumberland City Council was held Thursday with the only item on the agenda being a motion for the council to go into executive session.

According to the meeting’s agenda, the “purpose of the special called meeting is to approve a motion to go into closed (executive) session under the provisions of Chapter 61.810 to discuss alleged illegal activities and possible litigation on behalf of the city. The reason given for the closed session was to avoid embarrassment to individuals and to avoid jeopardizing the outcome of possible litigation.”

Hatfield, contacted via telephone, said there was no action taken in executive session.

Telephone calls to Cumberland Fire Chief Fess Eldridge were not returned.