Yesterday, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners held a contentious meeting that raised eyebrows and sparked heated debates among the residents of Grants Pass. The meeting began with harsh criticism directed at the Public Health Director and revealed questionable financial decisions involving former County Commissioner Simon Hare.
Tensions flared during the session as Commissioner John West berated the Public Health Director for allegedly “leaking information to the Daily Courier.” This incident set the tone for a meeting that would expose deeper issues within the county’s governance.
One of the most controversial topics discussed was the relationship between current Commissioner John West and former Commissioner Simon Hare. It was revealed that Commissioner West had previously paid Hare $3,200 for unapproved and unspecified work, all without a county contract. This transaction, lacking transparency and proper authorization, has drawn significant public scrutiny and criticism.
The controversy did not end there. The county recently received a $150,000 grant aimed at improving broadband infrastructure. However, it was disclosed that approximately $20,000 of this grant will be allocated to Simon Hare over the next eight months. This decision has been met with outrage from community members who feel that these funds should be used directly for their intended purpose of enhancing broadband access, rather than compensating a former commissioner with a controversial history.
Commissioner West’s actions have led to accusations that he is acting unilaterally and prioritizing personal connections over the county’s best interests. Residents are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the use of public funds, especially in light of these recent financial decisions.
The allocation of the broadband grant funds has become a focal point of controversy. Many community members argue that every dollar of the $150,000 grant should be used to improve the county’s internet infrastructure, a critical need for many residents, or redirected to the Sheriff’s Office, where the funds were initially intended. The decision to divert a portion of these funds to pay Simon Hare has only fueled suspicions of mismanagement and favoritism.
As the county moves forward, there is a growing demand for a thorough investigation into these financial dealings and a reevaluation of the current leadership’s practices. The community’s trust in its elected officials has been shaken, and many believe that “enough is enough.”
In response to the unfolding situation, residents are urging the Board of Commissioners to adopt stricter oversight measures and ensure that all financial transactions are conducted with full transparency and accountability. The hope is that such steps will restore confidence in the county’s governance and ensure that public funds are used appropriately for the benefit of all Josephine County residents, not just a select few.
