Vice-Chair of Aquatic Board makes statment on recall petition

"It is true that the necessary number of votes for the Madras Aquatic Center 10-member budget committee, to adopt the 2025-26 budget was not met. The mistake was discovered late September and the Madras Aquatic Center notified the Oregon Department of Revenue. The department found that it was not necessary for the district to redo the process and closed the matter.

Madras Aquatic Center ended FY 2024-25 with a budget deficit of $67,565. This led to a reduction in staff, elimination of land-based activities and temporary closure of the Aquatics facility.

I was elected and honored to serve as the county assessor from 2012-2021. In that capacity, I fully understood and gained appreciation for the profound importance of carrying out fiduciary responsibilities. I have continued that commitment to public trust as a board member of the MAC. We as a board exercise our authority collegially with an eye to wise use of public resources.

I ask Madras Aquatic Center patrons to reject this recall effort and join us in working to resolve the difficult financial and maintenance issues that face the Madras Aquatic Center"