Klamath County hears request for $25,000-per-year tourism support for 'Wocus Collector' sculpture

Vicky Sabre presented a request to the Board of Commissioners on May 7 asking Klamath County to commit $25,000 per year for two years to help install a sculptural work called the "Wocus Collector." Sabre said the project organizers have matching local funding and a letter of support from the Klamath Tribes signed by Jeff Mitchell, chairman of the tribe's cultural and heritage committee.

Sabre said organizers hope to site the sculpture near "Lake Ewan" (location is under consideration) so visitors can follow a sculpture route that draws tourists to see multiple works around the county. She told the board the project would likely be one of the largest and most costly in the county's public sculpture series and that county contributions historically helped leverage additional grant funding.

Staff noted the county has provided prior tourism fund support for similar pieces including an eagle in the roundabout on Highway 140 in Holmdale and an elk near the local museum. Sabre and staff discussed the county's tourism fund balance; Sabre estimated the fund had "a couple hundred" remaining after the last cycle, and a staff member said the balance might be somewhat higher. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with Mr. Kingzette (project contact) and to provide a written accounting of tourism fund balances and prior commitments before a decision.

No vote was taken at the May 7 meeting. Commissioners indicated they would request additional information and expected staff to return with the fund status, proposed locations, and a recommended decision timeline.