Mayor of flooded Kentucky town resigns. Police chief takes over temporarily
The mayor of a flooded Kentucky town resigned Monday, according to a news release from the city of Falmouth.
The mayor, Luke Price, said the resignation was because he’d accepted a job that would impact his mayoral duties.
Before resigning, Price issued an order transferring executive authority to Falmouth Police Chief Marty Hart, who will serve as the town’s temporary mayor until the Falmouth City Council appoints a successor.
“So at this time, it is with a very heavy heart that I have to make a decision for the betterment of my family,” Price said in a statement. “Therefore, effective immediately, I resign from my position as Mayor of Falmouth, KY.”
The resignation comes just days after Pendleton County officials issued emergency evacuation orders amid flooding in Falmouth and Butler.
The Licking River in Falmouth reached 38.63 feet Sunday, marking the seventh-highest recorded crest in the city’s history, according to the National Weather Service.
The evacuation order was lifted Monday, and by Tuesday afternoon the river had receded to 30.79 feet, below its flood stage of 33 feet.
Price’s order, which took effect immediately, grants Hart the authority to perform all necessary executive functions on behalf of the city, except for those explicitly prohibited by law, according to a press release. Kentucky law gives mayors the ability to transfer power to other officials.
“All bonds, notes, contracts, and written obligations of the city shall be executed by the designated agent as authorized through this executive order,” the order states.
Falmouth’s fire chief, John Lucas, also resigned Tuesday, according to a Facebook post from city council member Anthony Cox. Lucas resigned due to the heavy workload and not being able to handle the job mentally, Cox said.
Falmouth officials said operations will continue without interruption during the transitional period.
“Please be assured I am working diligently to best navigate these uncertain times and will keep you, the community and citizens, informed along the way,” Cox said in a Facebook post.
Price was named interim mayor in January 2024 after the Falmouth City Council voted to impeach former mayor Sebastian Ernst.
Price was then elected in an unopposed race last November.
Before his stint as mayor, Price served on the city council for seven years. He was born and raised in Falmouth.
“The City of Falmouth extends its sincere gratitude to Mayor Price for his service and dedication to the community,” the city said in a press release.
This story was originally published April 8, 2025 at 2:32 PM.
