Rusk City Council to Address $13,500 Police Investigation After Citizen Complaint

RUSK, Texas (TXAN 24) — A local citizen has filed a formal complaint with the Rusk City

Council, raising concerns about the handling of a private investigation into Police Chief Scott

Heagney.

The complaint alleges that City Manager Bob Goldsbury and City Secretary Cinda Thompson

have withheld the findings of the investigation, which cost taxpayers approximately $13,500.

While the Texas Attorney General required the city to release invoices for the investigation, the

actual report has not been made public.

The complaint is scheduled to be discussed during Executive Session at the City Council

meeting on Thursday, September 11, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Executive Sessions are private, meaning the details of the complaint will not be shared publicly during the discussion. However, the citizen emphasizes that investigations funded by taxpayers should not be withheld from the public or elected officials responsible for oversight.

The citizen’s complaint calls on the City Council to:

1. Conduct an independent investigation into the actions of the City Manager and City Secretary,

2. Place both officials on administrative leave until the investigation is complete, and

3. Ensure the full investigation report is accessible to the public and council members.

This complaint raises broader questions about financial oversight, accountability, and

transparency in city government. The City Council has not yet indicated whether it will make the investigation findings public following the Executive Session