Commissioners extend management contract for House of Refuge; critics press for audits as renovations proceed

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 answer questions.

Robert Steele and other historical‑society advocates described the House of Refuge as Martin County’s oldest building and a long‑running public‑private stewardship. Steele said the society is managing artifacts and exhibits while the site is closed for renovation and that the society’s operations include admissions, rentals and gift‑shop sales.

Commissioners asked for details about the contract language that allows the historical society to retain all admissions, event‑rental and gift‑shop revenues collected at the property. Commissioner Vargas pressed for routine, independent audits or regular accounting reviews; staff confirmed the contract already allows the county to request books and records with five days’ written notice and that annual audit requests could be exercised.

Historical Society representatives said they maintain internal records and that a full financial audit is costly; they said they were willing to provide access in line with the contract’s provisions. The society’s director said the organization operates on a “shoestring” and that the county’s contract payments and retained revenues are necessary to sustain programming and to maximize outside grants and donations. Several speakers from the public and preservation advocates urged the board to continue the partnership, pointing to the society’s work registering the House of Refuge on the National Register of Historic Places and the site’s role in heritage tourism.

Commissioner comments recognized both stewardship value and taxpayer safeguards. Commissioner Kennedy said the society’s volunteer, donation and grant leverage made the arrangement cost‑effective and moved approval. Commissioner Campey amended the motion to direct staff, legal and the clerk’s office to set up a process for county staff to review financial records under the contract; the board agreed to include provision for staff review when requested.

The vote to extend the contract passed unanimously. The board also recorded that the House of Refuge will remain closed while the renovation proceeds (estimated reopening in 2027), and that during closure the society will continue to curate artifacts at the Elliott Museum.

Ending: The board authorized the three‑year extension at $96,000 per year and directed staff to formalize a records‑review process under the existing contract clause that makes books and records available to the county upon five days’ written notice.