In his statement from the April 1, 2026, Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting, former Budget Officer Simon Hare addressed the controversy surrounding his contract and resignation.
Key Points of the Statement:
Professional Background: Hare emphasized his eight years of experience as a former County Commissioner, noting he successfully managed the county through significant fiscal crises and was recruited by the previous board specifically for his expertise.
The Reason for Resignation: Hare stated he was “forced to resign” after blowing the whistle on a proposed new position that he characterized as a gross misuse of funds. He claimed this position would have cost taxpayers nearly $400,000.
Fiscal Impact: By opposing the creation of that position, Hare asserts he saved Josephine County approximately $363,000 in the current fiscal year, potentially reaching $1 million over a multi-year span.
Defense of Contract: He argued that the current board’s attempt to revisit his contract is “purely political” and legally “in error.” He cited Section 8.3 B of his contract, maintaining that the misuse of funds he identified justified his actions.
Consultation Offer: Despite the friction, Hare offered to consult on the upcoming fiscal year’s budget free of charge, suggesting the current board—whom he described as “freshmen”—could benefit from his guidance.
Summary of the Conflict
Hare views his departure not as a simple resignation, but as a principled stand against administrative corruption and wasteful spending, while framing the current board’s scrutiny of his contract as political retaliation.
