City of Marble Hill Mayor Pro Tempore Tim McCain issued the following statement Thursday, Aug. 29, regarding the personnel situation at the town's police department.

"I would like to let the citizens of Marble Hill know what is going on with our police department. I probably should have issued a statement earlier, but thought the Mayor would be back sooner and when we realized that wasn't going to happen, decided to make this statement. All the police officers did not walk out at the same time. Some had informed us of other job opportunities they had and turned in their two weeks' notice before those who resigned. It had nothing to do with the budget or the City Council. We are moving forward as fast as we can to hire a new police chief and officers to take care of this matter. We ask that you please be patient. The issue regarding the Bollinger County Sheriff's department handling all the city's calls was voted on, and we decided it was in the city's best interest to continue to have our own city police department. We appreciate the Sheriff's department for taking care of the citizens of Marble Hill while we are going through this transition. We have hired an interim chief and have an interview scheduled."

The City has scheduled a special meeting Friday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The only agenda item to "personnel".

An interim chief of police, Wayne Hampton, was hired earlier this month. His first day in that position was Friday, Aug. 23.