Muldraugh Mayor Rejects $29,573 Contract Signed by Police Chief, Sparks Legal Dispute with Edmonson County

June 10, 2025 — Muldraugh, KY

During Monday night’s Muldraugh City Council meeting, I posed a direct question to the council: Were they aware of a legally binding contract signed by Police Chief Tim Jackson with Edmonson County, obligating the City of Muldraugh to repay $29,573 for the contract buyout?

The response? Silence. Not a single council member addressed the question.

Eventually, Mayor Anthony Lee broke the silence with a firm response, citing legal advice he said came from the city’s attorney through the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC).

“I got a letter from our attorney — the KLC attorney. The KLC city attorney says there’s no city exposure to this,” Lee said.
“KRS 15.410 and KRS 15.510 state that this applies only to the original recruitment of an officer. That contract is null and void. It has no purpose, no meaning, and no justice for the City of Muldraugh.”

He continued:

“The City of Muldraugh did not sign any contract. We do not owe Edmonson County $29,000. We are not going to pay Edmonson County $29,000. Our attorney will respond to that letter — but that’s how it’s going to be.”

Mayor Claims Background Check Was Done — But Records Dispute It

The situation centers on a reimbursement contract Tim Jackson signed during his employment with Edmonson County. That agreement, common in law enforcement, requires officers to repay costs if they leave before a certain period. Jackson left the department early, triggering the repayment clause.

When confronted about whether he had investigated the existence of such a contract before hiring Jackson, Mayor Lee insisted:

“I did do a background check. I contacted Edmonson County and Grayson County. I spoke directly to Mr. Edmonson County.”

However, that statement raises serious credibility questions. The Sheriff of Edmonson County is James Vincent, not “Mr. Edmonson County.” From my direct conversations with Sheriff Vincent and others in that department, they confirmed they’ve never spoken to Mayor Lee about Tim Jackson or any related contract.

So, who’s telling the truth — the elected official misnaming the sheriff or the county actively pursuing payment of the contract?

Legal Consequences May Follow

Mayor Lee’s public denial of any responsibility places the City of Muldraugh in a precarious legal position. His comments are now part of the public record. Should Edmonson County pursue the matter in court and win, it may be the taxpayers of Muldraugh who ultimately pay the price — both financially and in trust.

Edmonson County has made it clear that they are not backing down. They are expecting a formal response from Muldraugh’s legal counsel and intend to proceed with legal action if repayment is not made.