Ross Ragland Theater asks Klamath County commissioners for help, proposes ballot options to avoid closure

Paul Stewart and Fran Marseille of the Ross Ragland Theater told the Klamath County Board of Commissioners on July 7 that the local nonprofit’s current business model is unsustainable and the theater has roughly four weeks of operating cash remaining.

Stewart and Marseille described the theater’s revenue mix as about 60% from ticket sales and 40% from philanthropy, said grants for the arts are declining, and argued small donations are not covering fixed expenses. They presented three possible remedies: creating an arts tax district with a proposed five‑year sunset, increasing the transient room tax, and rebuilding the theater’s endowment. The presenters provided calculations based on city and county tax bases and urged coalition building with local partners to advance any ballot measure.

The presentation emphasized timing constraints: Stewart asked the Board to consider a ballot proposal that could meet the county’s Aug. 5 deadline to qualify for the November ballot. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing, tax bases and prioritization of public-safety spending; the Board agreed to have Stewart and Marseille return next week with a drafted ballot proposal.

Why it matters: the Ross Ragland is a local cultural venue that relies predominantly on earned revenue and philanthropy rather than ongoing taxpayer support. Without new revenue or an expanded endowment, presenters said the theater’s ability to operate during the coming season is at risk.

Next steps: the theater will return with a formal ballot proposal for Board consideration and staff review so the county can determine whether to place a measure on the November ballot. The Board did not take formal action at the July 7 meeting.