PULLMAN, Wash. – Confusion surrounds the status of former City Administrator Mike Urban, with conflicting accounts from the city and Urban’s attorney.
Urban was placed on paid leave in late March – around the time Washington State Patrol investigated former Pullman Police Chief Jake Opgenorth.
Opgenorth later resigned amid a domestic violence and assault investigation.
On April 17, the Washington State Patrol suspected text messages to a private person were from Urban.
However, an independent investigation found the messages did not come from him. Following this, the city announced Urban would return to work.
As of now, the city claims Urban resigned, but Urban’s attorney disputes this.
“The city refused to allow him to return to the job he loves. Instead, the city unilaterally and summarily terminated Mr. Urban’s employment, in material breach of his contract and in violation of applicable law,” stated Urban’s attorney.
Pullman Communications Coordinator Meghan Ferrin confirmed, “As far as I know he resigned and it was effective as of May 5th, as of Monday of this week.”
However, Urban’s attorney categorically denies this claim. When asked if there were personal disagreements between Urban and the mayor, Ferrin responded, “Only professionally that I know of. Everybody has disagreements with the people that they work with.”
Urban’s attorney is considering legal action against the city.
Ferrin added, “I don’t know whether or not there’s going to be anything legal coming down the pipeline in the future.”
The situation remains unclear, and the city has not provided a copy of Urban’s resignation letter.
Ferrin mentioned, “I don’t believe I have a copy of it that I can give you. But in the future, probably, yes.”
Stay informed by checking for updates on this developing story.
