An overseer attached to the Johns/Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in Region Six has been released on $80,000 station bail after being arrested over a missing council-owned weed slasher valued at $250,000.

The overseer, who was taken into custody on Thursday evening, has also been sent on leave as police investigate allegations involving the missing equipment and the misappropriation of funds.

The matter unfolded during Thursday's statutory meeting, when councillors demanded answers about the weed slasher, which had been donated to the NDC by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

A worker who last used the equipment reportedly told the meeting that, approximately three months ago, the overseer instructed him to take it to her home after completing his duties.

However, when questioned about its whereabouts, the overseer was reportedly unable to produce the equipment or satisfactorily account for it.

She subsequently offered to repay the council its $250,000 value, but councillors rejected the proposal and opted to involve the police.

The decision reportedly followed earlier concerns about financial accountability at the council.

According to reports, the overseer had been warned on three previous occasions, including over an incident involving more than $91,000, which she was allowed to repay.

Police ranks subsequently arrived at the NDC office and took her into custody.

The investigation comes against the backdrop of growing unrest among NDC employees, who have been protesting delayed salaries and calling for the overseer's removal.

Workers previously alleged that salary funds were withheld for nearly two weeks after a cheque was cashed on September 8, with payments reportedly made only on September 21.

Questions have also been raised about the alleged use of a private receipt book for council transactions.

Amid the disputes, signatories to the NDC's bank account reportedly withheld approval of a paysheet bearing the overseer's name.

Police have confirmed that investigations are continuing.