The City of Pullman has reached a settlement with former City Administrator Mike Urban concerning the circumstances surrounding his departure from the city.

Documents obtained by Pullman Radio News through a public records request reveal that Urban has received approximately $220,000 from the city as part of the settlement related to his employment separation.

The situation began in late March when Urban was placed on paid administrative leave for three weeks. In mid-April, Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin announced that Urban would be welcomed back to work after a third-party investigation cleared him of all allegations against him. However, Urban did not return, and in early May, city officials announced his resignation, a claim Urban contested, asserting that he was wrongfully terminated. His attorney indicated that Urban sought to negotiate a return to work to restore his reputation, but no agreement was reached.

In June, Urban filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging various civil violations including unlawful discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, and intentional infliction of emotional distress and reputational harm.

As part of the settlement, the City of Pullman has agreed to characterize Urban’s departure as an employment separation rather than a resignation.

The context of Urban’s situation involved a scandal linked to former Police Chief Jake Opgenorth, who was involved in a long-term affair with Stephanie Rink. During this scandal, Urban’s name was used by Opgenorth to obscure messages on his phone, which contributed to Urban’s placement on leave and subsequent separation from the city. The Washington State Patrol investigated Opgenorth following his leave.

The relationship between Opgenorth and Rink led to a public civil court case, which included serious allegations of rape made by Rink against Opgenorth. The judge subsequently dismissed the case, referring to the claims made by both parties as “childish.”

Recent social media posts from Rink suggest that she and Opgenorth have reconciled, as they appear together in several pictures.