Ashland Board of Aldermen set to discuss police chief investigation

ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Ashland Board of Aldermen will get an update when it meets Tuesday on the city's internal investigation of Police Chief Lyn Woolford.

Some Ashland residents say they plan to show up to support Woolford, who was put on paid administrative leave by the City of Ashland and Mayor Gene Rhorer last week. 

The City of Ashland said in a news release Tuesday that Woolford’s current contract expires on April 30, 2020.

Alderman Rick Lewis said the public is allowed to speak at open meetings, but each speaker will be limited to 5 minutes for time constraints.

"In the first part of the meeting we do open it up for public input," Lewis said. "No one will be turned away. We do want to hear what the public has to say."

The small amount of information released about this situation has frustrated the Ashland community, but city officials are frustrated, too, Lewis said.

"Well, it is frustrating not to be able to tell everything that’s going in right now," Lewis said. "I’ve been friends with Chief Woolford for over 37 years and I’ve also known the mayor for a very long time."

Woolford filed a lawsuit against the city of Ashland and its mayor on Monday alleging his suspension was retaliation. Woolford claims the mayor had him suspended after Woolford would not use police resources to remove Rhorer's girlfriend from their shared home.

"I can say that I was very disappointed in reading the allegations from the recent lawsuit that has been filed," Lewis said. "I think it was very premature. I can say that there is nothing personal about any of the things we are discussing."

The city has declined to share any details about allegations against Woolford, citing legal protections for personnel information.

"I hope that we can get things worked out and do what’s best for the city," Lewis said.