News : Urbana Officially terminates Police Chief

The Urbana City Council voted to terminate the Police Chief, Joshua Baker. Baker had been on paid leave since April of 2024, just over a year ago. In a 3 to 2 vote, the council fired Baker without cause. 

Baker filed a lawsuit against the city, city clerk and mayor last June. The lawsuit claims there was an abuse of power by the mayor and city clerk and he is alleging that they had withheld his wages while launching an unwarranted investigation.

The case is set to go to court on December 8, 2025, with a jury trial. 

Currently, Urbana is without police protection. Calls from the city are being covered by the Benton County Sheriffs Department.