Baxter Springs council members resign amid city government controversy
The Baxter Springs City Council is without two of its council members, following Tuesday night's meeting (5/27).
Baxter Springs Mayor, Kelly Abbott says both council members quit for personal reasons, but he has not yet received anything in writing.
One of those who resigned was Casi Shaw — a write-in candidate in the November 2024 election.
Shaw says her reasons for leaving are tied to Mayor Abbott.
'The current system of government is not functioning,' said Shaw.
And she says proper hiring processes are not being followed.
Within the last two weeks, Mayor Abbott replaced the Baxter Springs police chief with school resource officer, Rick Comer.
Jimmy Hamilton was named police chief in January, after the former chief took over as the Cherokee County Sheriff. Abbott says Hamilton voluntarily stepped down after just four months on the job.
Despite the job listing of police chief on the city's social media sites, Mayor Abbott says Comer is the city's new chief.
He says the job is only listed because it's city policy to advertise the job.
Shaw says she didn't agree with Comer's appointment, because the city wasn't following proper hiring procedures.
'I think there need to be due process in hiring a department head,' said Shaw.
When asked about the council resignations and the job listing for police chief, Mayor Abbott said it 'wasn't a big deal' and 'wasn't newsworthy.'
Following our attempts to reach out to various city leaders about the council resignations, Abbott told us, 'Quit calling my help.'
The second council member to resign Tuesday night was Brandon Williams.
We reached out to Williams, who declined to offer comment.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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