Jefferson County Historical Society asks commissioners for $400,000 purchase help and long-term operating support

Tony Ahern, representing the Jefferson County Historical Society, told the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on March 12 that the society is seeking county partnership to establish a museum in the historic Methodist Church in Madras.

"What we're hoping for is a 1 time $400,000 commitment," Ahern said during public comment, asking the county to provide $200,000 toward purchase and $200,000 toward an initial remodel. He also said the society would contribute $100,000 and asked the county to consider an annual $100,000 operating commitment to help sustain the museum.

The Historical Society presented a phased plan that would initially open the upstairs of the two‑story, roughly 6,000‑square‑foot building and pursue grants and private fundraising to cover later phases. Ahern said the society has a contract that would require $200,000 at closing and an additional $100,000 within two years; the group estimated an initial phase budget of about $300,000–$325,000.

Commissioners asked questions about alternatives such as locating the museum at the Fairgrounds and about potential partnerships, including with Warm Springs and other local institutions. Commissioner Wundt noted museums require local and government support to secure grants: "...they really need to see how is how the rest of the community standing behind us. And I think that that shows up in some of these other, counties, how they are, how they're funded," he said.

Commissioner Simulink and other commissioners said the idea warranted further conversations and vetting. At least one commissioner indicated the county could consider a budget commitment: "We have a hundred thousand dollars ready," a commissioner said, adding the county could consider distributing funds across fiscal years if the board chose to proceed.

No formal county commitment or vote was taken on March 12. Commissioners directed the Historical Society to continue outreach, pursue private partners and grant opportunities, and return with more detailed financial plans ahead of the society's contract extension deadline in April.

The Historical Society said it will return with additional information and that it would use local contractors and phased remodeling to limit upfront costs. The commissioners encouraged the group to coordinate with the City of Madras and potential private partners and said staff will follow up on grant-service support and preliminary county budget options.

The county discussion emphasized that any county funding or maintenance obligations would need formal agreement and that the board would continue deliberations before making a binding commitment.