Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher speaks at a recent Cave City Council Meeting. Gage Wilson/Glasgow News 1
By GAGE WILSON
Glasgow News 1
Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher has confirmed an ongoing investigation of city manager Robert Smith stemming from an alleged incident on Aug. 14, 2023.
Hatcher said as soon as he was aware of the allegation against Smith of operating a city-owned vehicle while intoxicated, he took appropriate action.
“This incident, they city attorney [Bobby Richardson] and I discussed it immediately, and the same day, I received a call from the insurance. I have been following what they suggested,” Hatcher said in a recent interview with GN1.
Smith was not jailed nor charged with driving while impaired on Aug. 14, according to the Barren County Detention Center website.
The allegation against Smith was presented by during a Cave City City Council meeting by council member Beverly Ford on Sept. 11. She also accused Hatcher of not executing his mayoral duties effectively.
Hatcher said at the time of the August allegations against Smith, he was also dealing with a medical issue with his wife.
“Yes, it took me a few days because I had a wife who I didn’t know was going to live or die, and that was my priority,” he said. “If I did the wrong thing there, then so be it.”
Kentucky League of Cities, which provides legal services, insurance, and more for municipalities in the state, is assisting in the investigation.
Smith is suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, Hatcher said.
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