The Jefferson County Circuit Court dismissed a lawsuit against the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District (MACRD) last week, handing the district a legal victory ahead of an August 4 recall election that will ask voters to decide the fate of four of its five board members.

The case, Boynton et al. v. Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District (Case No. 25CV64941), included allegations touching on summer operations, staffing, facility use by partner organizations, and communications surrounding budget committee meetings. The court granted MACRD's motion to dismiss in its entirety.

In a pointed warning, the court stated it would strongly consider awarding attorney fees to MACRD if the same claims were filed again and dismissed a second time — a signal judges rarely deliver.

District Stays Focused on Operations

The MACRD issued a brief statement saying it remains "focused on responsible governance, public service and the continued operation of District programs, services and facilities." The Madras Aquatic Center serves as one of the region's primary year-round recreation facilities, offering lap swimming, youth programs, fitness classes, and open recreation.

Recall Election Timeline

Regardless of the court outcome, the recall effort is moving forward on its own track. Voters in the MACRD will decide on August 4 whether to remove four of the board's five sitting members.

Key dates to know:

  • July 14: Deadline to register to vote or update voter registration for the recall election
  • July 15: Ballots scheduled to begin mailing to registered voters
  • August 4: Election Day — completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m.
  • Ballots postmarked by August 4 may still be counted if received within seven days.

Voters who are unsure whether they are registered in the district can contact the Jefferson County Clerk's Office at 541-475-4451 or visit the Oregon Secretary of State's My Vote portal at oregonvotes.gov.

Background

The recall effort grew out of sustained controversy over the district's governance, including disputes over how the 2025-26 budget was approved and questions about district transparency. The Oregon State Attorney General's Office previously weighed in on related public meetings law questions.

Whether the dismissed lawsuit eases or intensifies tensions heading into the vote remains to be seen. With ballots arriving in mailboxes this week, aquatic center patrons and district residents will soon have their say.