Pullman settles with former city administrator

Pullman will pay former City Administrator Mike Urban approximately $220,000 to settle his claims of unlawful discrimination and wrongful discharge. Urban was placed on administrative leave in March after accusations linked him to a police investigation involving former Chief Jake Opgenorth. An investigation cleared Urban in April, determining that Opgenorth had likely misused Urban's name. Although the city announced Urban's resignation in May, he and his attorney claimed he was terminated instead. The settlement agreement states that Urban's departure will be characterized as a "separation," absolving any implication of wrongdoing by either party.

Urban's claims included emotional distress and wrongful withholding of wages. Following this dispute, Sean Wells was appointed as the new city administrator in August. This settlement highlights ongoing issues surrounding personnel management and legal disputes within local government.