John Enders, executive director of the Southern Oregon Historical Society, announces at a press conference Friday afternoon he will have to cut nearly half his staff in April because of a shortfall created when Jackson County ended its funding. (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell)An organization that has been safeguarding Southern Oregon history will lay off half its staff in April as deep budget cuts raise the possibility of selling historical buildings in Jacksonville.
John Enders, executive director of the Southern Oregon Historical Society, said he's opposed to suggestions by Jackson County officials to sell off some of the eight buildings his organization leases from the county, including the Beekman House and the U.S. Hotel, although he has considered the sale of the Catholic Rectory.
"We see it as our mission to preserve the buildings," he said, while adding there could be exceptions.
On Friday, Enders announced that 12 of the society's 23 full- and part-time employees will be laid off after April 1. Remaining full-time employees, including Enders, will take a 10 percent pay cut.
The 60-year-old historical society will see its budget drop from $1.1 million to $581,655 in 2007-2008 as the county ends its financial support, partly because of a $23 million loss in federal timber payments annually. In 1998, the society's budget was $2.1 million.
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Bruce Budmayr, president of the historical society board of trustees, said, "It is a very sad and unfortunate situation to be in."
He said hours of operation will be reduced, but it hasn't yet been determined by how much.
Budmayr said the society would look at other ways to raise money, including more donations and sponsors.
The 1,500-member historical society owns Hanley Farm in Central Point and the History Center on Central Avenue in Medford. Lithia Motors is currently leasing the History Center and has an option to buy it as part of the proposed Middleford Commons.
Budmayr said the historical society wouldn't consider selling off the 37-acre Hanley Farm to help solve its budget problems.
Commissioner C.W. Smith said there has been discussion about selling or leasing some of the Jacksonville buildings, but he described it as very tentative at this point.
"All suggestions and all options are on the table with what to do with some of the buildings," he said.
However, he said the complex of buildings around the Jacksonville Museum would not be part of the discussion.
Smith said if buildings are leased or sold, the proceeds would generate revenue for the historical society.
Enders criticized the idea of selling historic buildings in a letter to the county dated Jan. 8.
"On behalf of the board of trustees and the approximately 1,500 members of the Southern Oregon Historical Society, as well as the public in general who own those buildings, I want to state clearly that SOHS would vehemently oppose the county's sale of these important historic buildings."
But Smith said the idea of selling the historic Catholic Rectory in Jacksonville came from Enders. "He's the one who brought it to our attention that the Catholic Church is interested in buying it," he said.
Enders said, "That's the only exception we've made in discussing these buildings."
He said the county went through a period in the 1980s when it sold off historic buildings, creating alarm among residents, and he hopes to avoid that situation during this budget crisis.
Enders said though he's open to discussing the buildings' future with county officials, their essential historic character would have to be preserved as part of any new use.
Smith said that the historical designation and planning restrictions in Jacksonville could be limiting factors in the sale or lease of buildings. He said the county has discussed this issue with Jacksonville officials.
Another concern for the county is the state of the buildings. "Some of the maintenance has not been kept up due to restricted budgets," he said.
Enders said the historical society has maintained the buildings as best it can, devoting $250,000 to $300,000 annually to their care.
"It will be very difficult for us to do that in light of the recent budget cuts," said Enders.
The historical society can maintain the buildings more cheaply than the county because as a non-profit, it doesn't have to go through complicated bidding processes, use union labor or have as much administrative overhead, he said.
The historical society also can apply for preservation grants, said Enders.
The historical society hopes the county will give it some additional money to cover the costs of ongoing maintenance.
"The best solution is for us to do it," said Enders.
Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.
