City of Urbana fires police chief after year on paid leave

The Urbana City Council has upheld a decision to fire Police Chief John Baker, who has been on paid leave for over a year and is suing the city over his claims that it retaliated against him.

The council voted 3-2 Monday to uphold Mayor Gary Benson’s decision to fire Baker without cause. Before the vote, Benson read a statement about his decision to bring the issue to a vote.

“We will continue to evaluate our police department and its needs. As we go into this process, there is no need to keep Mr. Baker on paid administrative leave,” Benson said. “We thank Josh Baker for his services, and I’m removing him from the appointment, without cause. Mr. Baker does have a lawsuit against the city, and we will not comment, specifically because there is current litigation pending.”

Benson told The Gazette in an email Tuesday that the Benton County Sheriff’s Office has been providing law enforcement in Urbana while Baker has been on leave. The city’s website lists four reserve officers and no full-time officers besides Baker as members of its police department.

Baker was put on paid leave in April 2024 after ongoing disagreements between him and Jennifer Burkhart, the Urbana city clerk. He filed a lawsuit against the city last year, claiming Burkhart was attempting to control and supervise his activities as police chief without authority, and that he was placed on leave as retribution after he spoke with the mayor about his concerns about Burkhart.

The lawsuit still is being adjudicated in Benton County court. A jury trial date has been set for Dec. 8.

Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.andersen@thegazette.com