Steamboat Springs — It is unclear whether a final report will be made public related to the investigation into accusations against Steamboat Springs Police Chief Joel Rae and Deputy Chief Bob DelValle.

Karl Gills, who has been hired by the city as spokesman for the investigation, said in an email that the city knows the public is interested in the outcome of the investigation.

“The investigation is being conducted as complaints against leadership conduct in the police department, therefore the investigation is being handled as a human resources investigation,” Gills said. “Until the investigation is complete, a statement on what can or cannot be made public is premature.”

Kathy Nuanes was hired by the city to look into the accusations made by former Steamboat Police Detective Dave Kleiber, who, on March 18, began circulating a letter via email to community members.

Kleiber on Wednesday said he was interviewed by Nuanes for about 3 ½ hours a few days after Nuanes was hired by the city.

Kleiber said the interview focused almost exclusively on the accusations he made in the letter.

“I thought she appeared to be very capable, and I had a great deal of confidence that she would create a fair report,” Kleiber said.

Kleiber, though, is concerned about what City Manager Deb Hinsvark will do with the report once it is completed.

“The chips are stacked against this investigation ever producing anything,” Kleiber said.

The City Council has one employee, and that is Hinsvark. Hinsvark makes all hiring and firing decisions for the city.

“I have absolutely no belief that the city manager will go forward with that information,” Kleiber said. “She’ll do everything in her power to corrupt the process.”

Hinsvark declined to comment.

The investigation is expected to be finished in June.

“When the investigation is complete, we will know and release the number of people interviewed as part of the investigation,” Gills said.

Nuanes is being paid $110 per hour plus expenses.

“The city is not running a summation of costs to date,” Gills said.

Gills said Nuanes has been directed to follow the investigation wherever the information takes her.

“Until the investigation is complete and the report is final, we will not have the information as to if the investigation has expanded beyond the original complaints,” Gills said.

To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland