A Cadiz realtor active with the Trigg County Chamber of Commerce has resigned from the Trigg County Country Ham Festival Committee due to ethical concerns.
In an email to the Trigg County Country Ham Festival Committee, Dustin Gilbert says that he is resigning effective immediately. Gilbert cited the recent decision by the committee to award the contract for sound, stage, and lighting to Peak Audio Visual LLC, even as the bids were submitted before Heather Armbruster was hired as the Cadiz On Main Director. Gilbert says he feels that the bid should not have been considered due to her direct connection to the company. The Kentucky Secretary of State’s office says the company is owned by Brandon Armbruster.
Gilbert said as a realtor he is bound by a code of ethics. In light of the recent decision by the committee to award the bid to Peak Audio Visual LLC, Gilbert says he does not feel like he can continue to serve on the committee.
Committee members tell the News Edge the bid from Peak Audio Visual was one of 3 submitted for staging, lights, and sound. The bids were discussed at a special called meeting on May 30 at Cadiz City Hall. When questioned by committee members about the lack of specific details about each one, city officials said one had to be approved that day. When later asked about a request proposal, city officials told committee members they were unable to provide them.
