Commissioners direct legal counsel to demand repayment from former 2025 budget officer

Josephine County commissioners on April 23 directed county legal counsel to send a demand letter by registered mail to a former 2025 budget officer after the individual failed to respond to a March 25 notice seeking reimbursement.

Commissioner Gary Richardson told the board the contractor did not meet the county’s expectations and recommended escalating to a registered demand for repayment; Richardson raised the possibility of disbarment and other legal action. Legal Counsel Wally Hicks said he had spoken directly with the former contractor and that the contractor stated they do not intend to repay the county for services the county regards as not rendered.

The board discussed the strength of the county’s case and agreed to direct legal counsel to send a demand letter seeking reimbursement. The minutes record the board’s direction to legal counsel to pursue the reimbursement but do not show a formal, recorded motion or a roll-call vote.

County staff did not announce a specific dollar amount in the open minutes; the board indicated they would consider legal remedies if the demand letter did not produce repayment. The board also discussed potential next steps, including civil action to recover funds. No filing or lawsuit was announced at the April 23 meeting.