County to release capital funds for Molalla resource center after property selection

Clackamas County staff told commissioners March 6 that Ant Farm, the nonprofit chosen in a county city‑led initiative, has identified an alternate property in the City of Molalla for a supportive services resource center and is ready to receive previously approved acquisition funds.

Mary Rumbaugh, director of Health, Housing & Human Services, said the county awarded funding in April 2024 after a notice of funding opportunity and that the current item is an agreement to release the capital funds so Ant Farm can complete the property purchase. The packet before commissioners included a letter of support from the City of Molalla.

Deputy Director Vahi Brown explained the acquisition process stalled after the organization’s originally proposed property was taken off the market, necessitating renewed coordination with Molalla city officials. "Ant Farm selected a different property, secured the support of the City of Molalla for the purchase of that property, and that's the property that will be purchased with these funds," Brown said.

Commissioners asked about regional service expectations. Rumbaugh and Brown said Ant Farm primarily serves the Molalla area while also operating a footprint in Sandy, Estacada and Canby; the county has approved a separate resource‑center award for Estacada that will come to the board later. Commissioners described the project as a follow‑up to an earlier Molalla warming center and said they wanted to ensure the city’s continued support before releasing funds.

No formal vote on the funding agreement occurred at the meeting; commissioners agreed to advance the agreement to the March 20 consent agenda so Ant Farm can close on the property by the end of March.

Ending: Staff said final documents and a consent item will appear on the March 20 agenda allowing Ant Farm to complete acquisition. The board asked staff to notify commissioners before final disbursement.