County committee to review museum after residents raise concerns over operations and funding

Panelists at a Douglas County community meeting answered residents' questions about the county museum's future and funding.

The moderator clarified that the county owns the old courthouse building but not the museum organization, which is a 501(c)(3) headed by Suzanne Hudson. Dot Padgett, a longtime resident, said the museum does not take taxpayer money and described the museum's local collections (including a 350‑item lunchbox collection she contrasted with the Smithsonian's 50 items). Padgett emphasized the museum's historical value and the voluntary nature of donations of artifacts.

County leadership said they are not seeking to close the museum but want a clearer operational plan. The moderator said he moved the museum question to his Community Service Committee for deeper review and planned a committee meeting in January to consider operations, artifacts, space use, and possible collaboration with the CAC. Panelists acknowledged Facebook posts had created confusion and urged the public not to "believe the hype."

Officials also discussed practical questions: whether the museum pays rent, what utilities and space costs look like, and whether the county should provide funding or seek a formal action plan. The museum had been told to vacate Dec. 31 but the board extended the occupancy to month‑to‑month while the committee reviews options.

Next steps: the Community Service Committee will meet in January to develop an action plan and consider potential collaborations with the CAC; staff will gather documents on museum operations and past funding for committee review.