Where we are now.

Over the last week, there have been many reports around what may or may not have happened at last Friday’s Evidentiary Hearing. As a non-participant, I do not know what happened either inside the courtroom. But one thing that has stood out is the relief from many parts that Judge McNeil did not find that there was a binding settlement agreement for a $4M payment in exchange for the resignation of Health Director Hambley. I frankly find myself in the same camp. I do not believe that the Board should have sought, nor should be seeking, Director Hambley’s resignation in exchange for a cash payment of any amount.

I do believe that the Board should be seeking a way to resolve the issue in a way that involves Director Hambley and Deputy Director Mansaray staying in their positions. It is incumbent upon us, as County leaders, to show that we can work together for the sake of our staff and our residents, and keeping our Health Department together, and in a position to continue offering the services our residents deserve, is a very good first step.

Edit - There seems to be some discussion about whether the Judge’s ruling invalidates the idea that there was ever a $4M tentative agreement. I think the exchange of emails after the Board left Closed Session on the afternoon of the 6th give a clear indication of what was discussed and agreed upon in closed session. The email from Stephan Kallman, referenced in Exhibit 1 in Plaintiff’s Motion to Enforce Settlement on Behalf of Ottawa County Health Officer, written less than 15 minutes after the Board’s convening of the Closed Session, is especially clear on the matter: