Tisbury has spent more than $20,000 to date on an investigation into fire chief Gregory Leland, who has been on paid administrative leave since July.
The town has not disclosed what prompted the leave, but invoices obtained by the Gazette in a public records request show town leaders have met regularly with their attorneys to discuss the chief’s employment status and have considered termination hearings.
In total, the town paid its law firm KP Law $24,247 between July 8 and Sept. 30 in connection with the fire chief, who remains out on leave.
At the outset of the leave this summer, town administrator Jay Grande said the town planned to hold a two-week review of materials received by the town. Since then, the law firm has submitted more than 70 invoices to the town.
While the invoices do not delve into board discussions, they provide the most detailed explanation available about what’s gone on during the closed-door sessions. According to the billing information, KP Law conducted witness interviews, attended an interview with the chief and reviewed prior investigations.
The law firm also received harassment complaints, a union grievance and correspondence about a hostile work environment from a former EMT.
By August, the firm was finalizing its investigation report, and was discussing the next steps with the town administration. Since then, the select board has had several executive sessions to discuss the chief.
Another executive session is scheduled for Thursday this week.
Select board member Roy Cutrer declined comment on the matter this week because it is a personnel issue. Speaking to the Gazette, Mr. Leland said he could not discuss his employment status until after the Thursday executive session. He is represented by counsel in the matter.
The fire chief has collected about $50,000 in pay during his leave.
Mr. Leland was appointed chief in 2020. Patrick Rolston has been serving as acting chief since July.
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