Madras Aquatic Center Board reacts to recall

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Four of five Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District board members are expected to be removed from office following a special recall election. Current results show most of the recalls passing by more than 300 votes

Approximately 23% of ballots have been returned so far, which is the expected turn-out for a special election, according to Jefferson County Clerk Katherine Zemke. Mail-in votes expected to continue arriving throughout the week. However, Zemek said the outcome of the election is unlikely to be changed by the remaining votes. Zemek also estimated the costs for this special election were around $12,000.

When KTVZ reached out to all of the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District's board members. They declined interview, but some of them sent written statements.

Executive director Courtney Snead sent the following:

"On behalf of the MACRD staff team, I want to assure our communities that the Madras Aquatic Center will continue operating throughout this transition period. Our staff remains committed to providing the programs and services our patrons rely on. Once the Jefferson County Commissioners appoint new board members, we look forward to working collaboratively with them and the Special Districts Association of Oregon to support a smooth transition and ensure the district continues to provide a safe, clean, and fun swimming experience for all."

Board member Jean McCloskey also provided a written statement expressing hope for the district's future governance.

"I was appointed to the board in 2022 not knowing anyone on staff or fellow board members. Serving on this board has been challenging. This district has faced Financial strains and constant turnover of board members and staff for the past 18 years of operation. My hope now is that the Commissioners will be able to appoint at least two new board members that can focus on stabilizing the district financially, to protect the services it provides, that this community values."

Kora Hollyman was the only board member who did not face a recall during this special election. She did however, respond to our inquires with this statement .

"The Jefferson County Commissioners are responsible for filling the four board vacancies created by the recall. They met this morning to discuss the appointment process and shared that applications should be available by the end of the business day today for those interested in serving on the board. My understanding from this morning's Commissioners meeting is that applications will be accepted through August 19, with a special meeting scheduled for August 26 to interview applicants and make the appointments.

No matter which side of the election people were on, one thing is undeniable…our community cares deeply about MACRD. The amount of time, effort, and passion that so many people put into this process speaks to that. I respect everyone who took the time to participate in our local democracy.

Looking ahead, I'm hopeful this is an opportunity to bring more community voices and ideas to the table. I look forward to working with the future board and our community to move the district forward in a way that reflects the priorities of the people we serve and builds a strong future for MACRD."

KTVZ also spoke to the recall petitioners, who expressed satisfaction with the results of their efforts, but also declined interview.

As mentioned in the board members statements, Jefferson County commissioners are preparing to fill the soon-to-be-vacant seats once the election is certified. In an executive session today, the commissioners discussed the next steps they'll have to take. While they cannot appoint anyone to the board till the election is certified, they can start looking for new board members. The county website will begin accepting applications for board members today (August 5th).

The deadline to apply is August 19 and interviews for the positions are scheduled to begin August 26. Officials hope to have replacements appointed as early as September.

The county commissioners only have a duty to fill two of the vacant seats. After that, a quorum is established, and the board could begin searching for members on its own. However, County Administrative Officer, Jeff Rasmussen told KTVZ they would appoint all the vacant seats if they received enough qualified applicants.