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Board approves funding agreement to implement renewed Oregon Historical Society levy
Summary
Following voter approval of Measure 26‑261, Multnomah County approved a funding agreement to collect, administer and distribute the levy for the Oregon Historical Society and four East County historical societies; the county will receive a $35,000 administrative payment and the agreement term runs through June 30, 2032.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement to implement a renewed local levy for the Oregon Historical Society (Measure 26‑261). County Chief Financial Officer Eric Ariano explained that the levy is a five‑cent charge per $1,000 of assessed value, renewed by voters and scheduled to fund the society and four East County partner societies over the levy term beginning in 2026; the funding agreement would be effective May 20 and extend through June 30, 2032 to allow distribution of collected taxes.
Ariano said county responsibilities include assessment, collection and annual distribution of the funds and administrative support for the levy oversight committee; the county will receive a $35,000 administrative payment to cover time devoted to collections, distributions and oversight support. Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society, thanked voters and noted a commitment to make minimum allocations to the four contiguous East County societies, with the levy oversight committee having previously recommended larger semi‑annual amounts following the levy renewal.
Two members of the public spoke in support; Lightning urged additional donations from private donors and asked for digital records and research engagement. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the renewed levy and for the oversight committee’s work. The board approved the funding agreement by roll call.
The agreement assigns distribution and oversight duties to county finance staff and requires annual reports to the board and the levy oversight committee.
