LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A legal dispute involving the City of London continued Monday in Laurel Circuit Court as a judge heard testimony regarding four city ordinances that had been temporarily blocked from taking effect.

Special Judge Samuel Spalding issued a restraining order on Dec. 31, preventing the London City Council from implementing Ordinances 2025-13, 2025-14, 2025-15, and 2025-16.

RELATED:

The ordinances were passed by the city council, vetoed by Mayor Randall Weddle, and later overridden during a special-called meeting.

The lawsuit was filed by 86 City of London employees from public works, sanitation, city administration, and the police and fire departments. The complaint alleges the ordinances are retaliatory and violate Kentucky law, and that their implementation could negatively impact public safety.

According to those called to the witness stand, the ordinances could eliminate city positions, reduce employee pay, and affect essential services.

During Monday’s hearing, multiple department leaders testified about the potential operational impacts of the ordinances.

Testimony focused on possible staffing reductions and how those changes could affect police, fire, public works, and emergency response services. Members of the public and first responders were present in the courtroom, and several witnesses were called to testify.

Fire Chief Donnie Hale testified that his department could face significant staffing losses that would essentially wipe out his department’s ability to function if the ordinances are enforced.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Acting Police Chief Bobby Day testified that proposed budget changes could reduce the number of sworn officers and detectives.

Public Works Director Phillip Rawlings testified that his department’s ability to provide services such as garbage collection and snow removal could be affected.

Attorneys representing the city employees argued the ordinances were adopted in retaliation against employees who supported the mayor or who had previously raised workplace concerns. Attorneys for the city council argued the city has more employees than it can financially support and that budget adjustments are necessary.

Judge Samuel Spalding urged both the Mayor and the City Council to try one more time to find common ground that works for both sides and the public.

Spalding says he will issue a final decision by late Tuesday evening, before the ordinances are to take effect on Wednesday.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.