The Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District has named four new board members — Melissa Irvine, Ben Hocker, Miriam Fisher, and Paul May — ending a months-long governance crisis that left the district without a quorum and its community pool shuttered for part of the summer.
The four available board seats were filled by appointment, restoring the quorum the district needs to conduct regular business. All four appointees will serve through 2027, at which point they will face voters in a general election.
Recall Clears the Way for a Fresh Start
The appointments follow a contentious recall election that removed four MACRD board members earlier this summer. Community frustration had been building for months over a persistent budget deficit, two failed ballot measures that would have funded pool operations, and a summer closure of the Madras Aquatic Center — the city's only public pool.
The Madras Aquatic Center has been a fiscal flashpoint in Jefferson County for several years. District leaders have struggled to fund ongoing maintenance and operations for the aging facility while navigating limited property tax revenues. Failed levy measures left the district without the additional funding needed to cover full operating costs, eventually forcing the closure that prompted the recall effort.
What Comes Next
With the new board in place, district officials are expected to address several pressing questions: whether the pool can open for any remaining portion of the 2026 season, how to stabilize the budget heading into fall, and what a longer-term funding plan might look like for the facility.
Community members who attended multiple board meetings this summer say they are cautiously optimistic about the new appointees. The general sentiment: open communication and a genuine commitment to problem-solving will go a long way toward rebuilding public trust.
The new board is expected to hold its first regular meeting in September. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping the district's path forward.
Why It Matters for Jefferson County
The Madras Aquatic Center, located on Northwest D Street, serves swimmers of all ages across a wide geographic area. For families without transportation to facilities in Redmond or Bend, the local pool is the only option — particularly for school-age children, competitive swimmers, and seniors who depend on aquatic therapy and low-impact exercise.
Residents who want to stay informed about the district's upcoming meeting schedule or get involved can watch for public notices through the City of Madras and local news outlets.