VERMILION TWP. — Vermilion Township Trustee Kenn Baughman stepped down as chair of the board for 30 days during a special meeting Friday, requesting a public hearing to address allegations related to his conduct.
Baughman said the move was intended to allow the matter to be reviewed without him presiding over the process. During that period, Vice Chair Don Rowe Sr. will serve as acting chair.
During the April 17 meeting, Baughman formally requested a public hearing regarding accusations made over the past several weeks involving access to township offices, the handling of records and whether he exceeded his authority as an elected official. He denied any wrongdoing and said he is seeking an opportunity to respond publicly to those claims, saying, “The truth needs to be told. I’m going to show that what’s being told is not that.”
Why Baughman says he stepped aside
Baughman said the situation stems from accusations made by former township employee Joe Baxter, who he said claimed Baughman entered his office without authorization. Baxter later confirmed he contacted the sheriff’s office after the incident.
Baughman said he believes his actions were within his authority as a township trustee and described the situation as one that should be addressed in an open setting. He said the request for a public hearing is intended to allow testimony and evidence to be presented publicly rather than discussed behind closed doors.
During the meeting, Baughman referenced state law governing public bodies, stating that matters involving elected officials must be handled in public session rather than in executive session. He said he stepped aside as chair to avoid overseeing any potential hearing involving his own actions and to allow the process to move forward without questions of impartiality.
He will continue to serve as a trustee and participate in votes during the 30-day period.
What happens next
According to Baughman, the decision on whether to hold a public hearing now rests with fellow trustees Don Rowe Sr. and Keith Sexton.
As of today, no formal determination had been made, and nothing had been filed regarding whether a public hearing will be scheduled.