Madras Aquatic Center Recall Election Ballots Mail This Week

Voters living within the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District will decide August 4 whether to recall four members of the district’s board of directors. The special election affects board Positions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The last day to register to vote is July 14. Ballots will be mailed beginning July 15, and completed ballots must be returned to the Jefferson County Clerk by Election Day on August 4 to be counted.

The recall effort was organized by a group calling itself Waves of Change, which gathered enough signatures to place the recall on the ballot. Supporters of the recall say they are dissatisfied with the district’s financial management, budget decisions and pool operations, including reduced hours and the temporary closure of the facility during the summer of 2025. They allege the district has been mismanaged and are seeking to replace four board members.

The board members facing recall say the district’s challenges are the result of financial realities rather than mismanagement. They point to an unexpected reduction in property tax revenue caused by a utility tax adjustment, rising operating costs, increased minimum wages, new state aquatics regulations and aging equipment as factors that have affected the district’s finances. According to district information, the pool closed during the summer of 2025 because there was not enough cash available to operate until property tax revenues were received later in the year. District officials say the closure also allowed the facility to complete work needed to comply with updated state aquatics rules.

Board members also acknowledge that the 2025-26 budget was not approved using the correct voting procedure, but they note the mistake was identified after the meeting and reviewed by the Oregon Department of Revenue. They say the department instructed the district to continue operating under the adopted budget and did not require changes. The board also points to the dismissal of public meeting complaints and a lawsuit challenging district actions, saying those outcomes support their position that they have acted appropriately.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, the Madras Aquatic Center continues to offer summer programming. The current schedule includes open pool times, recreation swims and lap swimming Wednesday through Saturday, along with Misfit the Beast Water HIIT fitness classes offered mornings and evenings throughout the week. Swim lessons continue in three-week sessions with classes held on Wednesdays and Fridays. District officials encourage patrons to register in advance for recreation swims because attendance is limited by available staffing, and remind visitors that schedules may change due to swim meets, private rentals or weather.