Josephine County's recently appointed Budget Officer has abruptly resigned and is calling on the Board of Commissioners to do the same.
Former Commissioner Simon Hare tendered his immediate resignation to the Board on Tuesday night, stating that he is quitting "with a profound sense of duty" precipitated by the Commissioners' inaction in what he believes is a potential multi-million-dollar contract with Michael Sellers to become County Operations Manager.
Hare said Sellers' name and title are listed in multiple budget documents totaling $388,000 in annual compensation that equates to nearly $1,500 per day. He said the compensation package was negotiated and approved by Board Chair Andreas Blech as a result of closed-door, backroom meetings with Sellers, with the full knowledge and delegated authority of Commissioners Chris Barnett and Ron Smith.
Hare contends that "what is happening at Josephine County is the antithesis of transparency, public service, representative government and against the explicit will of the voters." He said when he brought it to the attention of the Board, Commissioners Barnett and Smith did nothing, which makes them "incompetent or 100% complicit in this fleecing of Josephine County taxpayers."
The former Budget Officer further said the recent Voluntary Resignation Plan -- authored and orchestrated by Sellers -- has cost taxpayers more than $633,000. He said it is undeniable that Sellers is running Josephine County, hiring and firing at will and setting budget directives.
Hare concluded his resignation letter by stating "the Board is woefully unqualified, ill-prepared and apathetic to make positive changes." He said all three must be held to account for breaking public trust, calling on them to be pressured to resign or face recall immediately.
