The Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) will present an interim report on its study of a possible merger of Cumberland, Benham, and Lynch in a public meeting at the Betty Howard Miners’ Memorial Theater in Benham at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 23.

According to KLC Community Development Manager Tad Long, the study is funded with a grant from the Frazier Foundation and will not offer an opinion on the advisability of merger. It is designed to look primarily at the way in which a merger would be carried out in the three municipalities should it go forward.

The Tri-City Chamber of Commerce, which serves as grant administrator on behalf of the three cities, is urging citizens to attend the meeting.

“Ultimately whether or not merger takes place be would determined by a vote of the people,” said W. Bruce Ayers, executive director. “With that being the case, it is vitally important that citizens be at this and subsequent meetings.”

KLC is not expected to present its final report until early spring, 2018.

Tri-City Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Wilder said a question-answer period will be provided following the presentation and at that time citizens could ask any questions that they have about merger.

“There are a lot of mistaken assumptions about merger, which we hope can be cleared up at this meeting,” Wilder said.

Individuals needing transportation to and from the meeting can call the chamber office at 589-5812 or by email at tricitychamber@windstream.net.