LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Mt. Washington's police chief is out of the job in just a few days, but there is no clear explanation as to exactly why the chief was fired.

According to a statement from Mayor Stuart Owen, Chief Marcus Laytham was notified on June 25 "of his removal as Police Chief and as a member of the Mt. Washington Police Department effective June 30, 2024."

Laytham said he's not talking more about his termination until after the first of next month.

The statement from Owen said in part that the city has chosen not to renew the chief's contract for employment. It said, "The reason for removal is a change of leadership within the department."

At least two city council members said they are not happy about the chief being let go.

In a statement, Councilman Layne Abell said, "As a councilman for the City of Mt Washington I'm vehemently opposed to the firing of Marcus. I had received no prior notice that action was being taken. Marcus was an excellent leader for the police department and extremely well respected by the officers and city council. He had worked to save the city over $400,000 in budget this year. I feel this action is a total lack of leadership from the Mayor's office."

Councilman Troy Barr said he's disappointed and not sure of the exact reason why this is happening.

"I think Marcus (Laytham) has done a tremendous job for our police department. Our morale is really high. Officers are really happy. They're doing a great job for our community," Barr said. "For the most part, the council as a whole supported the chief, and the mayor knew that. We wanted him to stay."

In a phone conversation with WDRB, Councilman Curt Hudson said he believes Laytham and Owen had a difference in opinions on how to run the police department. Wishing Laytham the best and asking for patience for the mayor, Hudson said those positions need to be able to work together.

Laytham was appointed as chief in Mt. Washington in early 2023. He previously worked at the Louisville Metro Police Department and the Bullitt County Sheriff's Office.

His termination comes months after officers started pushing for a collective bargaining agreement in Mt. Washington. But Barr said he's unaware if those conversations are connected in any way to Laytham's contract not getting renewed. 

"I don't know. I know that those got contentious in a couple of council meetings and that is what it is at this point, I would hope that that's not the reason behind it but it doesn't help that there were some contentious moments when that was brought up," Barr said.

Barr said multiple council members don't understand the need for a different police chief.

"Right now, we're still in shock and just trying to process it all," he said.

For now, Mayor Owen said Lt. Colonel Dan Kelty will "assume the temporary duty assignment of Chief of Police."

WDRB reached out to other Mt. Washington Council members, but we did not hear back from them Wednesday. Barr said the next council meeting is in early July.

More area news about law enforcement: 

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.