Hibbard, a moderate Republican, had been alone in opposing a proposed $90 million City Hall and municipal complex due to an unfunded gap of $60 million in the project's financing, according to the Tampa Bay Times. He told WTSP that his departure was based solely on his commitment to fiscal responsibility, not any other factors. "There's no graft or anything else," he said. "It was a 4 to 1 vote forward with what I believe is reckless spending."
March 21, 2023
Hibbard announced his resignation as his peers looked on in shock. "I'm not a quitter, but I'm not the right leader for this council any more," announced Hibbard, as adjacent council members looked on, aghast. "I'm concerned with where the city is going, because this is simple math, and we're not doing very well on the test." he said, adding that he had called his wife earlier and that she was similarly surprised by the news. He nominated Hoyt Hamilton as his replacement, noting that Hamilton "knows the city." Though Hibbard was in the final year of his four-year term and had previously indicated that he would not pursue re-election, he said his conscience drove his decision.
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"I've always believed in making sacrifices for public service. And I love Clearwater. And I love some of the things we've gotten done," he said before grabbing his briefcase and bottle of water and leaving the room.
Acting Mayor Kathleen Beckman, who took over the meeting, was "little surprised, saddened, shell-shocked," according to Florida Politics. She noted that Hibbard's resignation was unexpected but that "the work goes on."
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