SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson is without a police chief. The City Council voted not to re-appoint Chief Mark Thompson.

Thompson took over for former Chief Scott Jones, who retired last year. Since then, the police department staff was cut in a string of cost-cutting moves by the city to keep the budget in line. Those cuts also came at the heels of City Manager Matt Stiles’ resignation.

Chief Thompson talked with hutchpost.com this morning. When asked why he was terminated, he said, “They did not say, they just voted. I’ve never had any discussions with the council about any concerns.”

Council President Joe Honeycutt could not say how soon the council will appoint a new chief. Honeycutt said all other appointments were approved during the meeting.