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Commissioners extend management contract for House of Refuge; critics press for audits as renovations proceed
Summary
The Board approved a three‑year extension of the Historical Society of Martin County’s contract to operate the House of Refuge, increasing the annual payment from $92,000 to $96,000. Public speakers and some commissioners urged routine accounting or audit access while the county is funding a separate $1.8 million renovation.
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a three‑year extension of the management agreement with the Historical Society of Martin County for operation of the House of Refuge, authorizing annual payments of $96,000. The action came as the county is funding an $1.8 million renovation of the historic property, and it prompted questions from commissioners and members of the public about financial oversight and the contract’s revenue provisions.
The agreement continues a 70‑year management arrangement in which the Historical Society operates the House of Refuge as a living history site under a county ownership model. Matt Graham, assistant county administrator, presented the contract extension and noted Sean Donahue, general services director, and Historical Society representatives were present to…
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