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Commission committee recommends 90‑day notice to Old Courthouse Museum after mixed public comments
Summary
After a series of public comments pleading for preservation and others urging fiscal prudence, the Community Services Committee recommended the Douglas County Board of Commissioners issue a 90‑day notice to Old Courthouse, Inc., with last occupancy no later than May 15, 2026; commissioners debated alternatives and asked for more community engagement before final action.
The Douglas County Community Services Committee recommended that the Board of Commissioners exercise its contractual notice option and issue 90 days’ notice to Old Courthouse, Inc., regarding the lease of the Old Courthouse museum space, with a last day of occupancy no later than May 15, 2026.
Dr. Consuela Gilchrist, presenting the committee’s findings, said the committee reviewed two proposals from the Cultural Arts Council and Old Courthouse, Inc., and concluded the county cannot support either initiative “at this time” given current financial priorities. The committee recommended issuing the 90‑day notice on or before Feb. 13, 2026, while offering limited transition assistance: a public notice to artifact owners, a county liaison for the transition, and support for artifact storage and insurance if requested (presentation, SEG 1126–SEG 1243).
Public comment before the presentation showed deep division. Supporters of the museum described long volunteer histories, donated family artifacts and community value. Joseph Hamilton, who…
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