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On Friday, July 24, the Duck Town Council held a special recessed meeting, continued from Monday, July 20. After an almost two hour closed session period, a majority vote approved to accept the resignation of Christopher Layton, former town manager and finance officer, effective immediately.

Layton was arrested for two misdemeanor counts of assault on a female on July 15. The person listed on the arrest report as the victim is a Town of Duck employee. After being arrested in his office, Layton was released from custody on a $5,000 unsecured bond. A trial date is currently set for August 21.

Friday’s vote was not unanimous; council member Rob Mooney had cast the dissenting vote. However, all council members were in favor of appointing Joe Heard as interim town manager and interim finance officer.

A release from the Town of Duck, which shortly followed the adjournment of the meeting, stated: “At the Duck town council meeting on July 24, the council accepted the resignation of former town manager Christopher Layton. Director of Community Development Joseph Heard, who had been serving as acting town manager since July 16, has been named the interim town manager and finance officer.”

When contacted by The Coastland Times regarding the matter, Mayor Don Kingston had no further comment other than what was noted in the town’s press release. Attorney John Leidy stated Friday that Layton’s paid administrative leave was to end July 24, however he will get compensation for vacation time.

Town staff are, at this point, reportedly undecided on what will come of director of community development position, as to whether Heard will continue to fill the role or it will be taken on by someone else.

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