Commissioner Tom Grossmann suggested a separate levy might be in order.
“I’m not sure it isn’t appropriate to have the taxpayers vote on this,” Grossmann said.
Last week, society officials asked the county commissioners for $106,000 in 2016, almost $80,000 more than it received in 2015. They said they were facing a $93,000 deficit in 2015, which they would plug with endowment funds.
“If we can’t convince you we have value,we’ll have to backtrack,” director Victoria Van Harlingen said.”We’d hate to go backwards.”
Despite the funding problems, the society said it was suspending admission fees for residents.
“This will enable Warren County students and their families to come to our facility,” he said. “Out-of-county residents will still be charged the regular rates,” he said.
The society operates a museum and the Glendower estate, as well as a conference and event center in downtown Lebanon. It also supports and collaborates with a network of 14 local historical societies around Warren County.
In 2015, operating expenses are expected to total $274,737, while income is projected at $181,278, leaving a deficit of $93,459.
The county contributed $28,500 to the society in 2015, but $240,000 over three years to help with the convention center renovation in 2002-2004.
The new funds would pay for a $42,000 executive director’s salary, $15,000 education director’s salary, $20,000 for advertising, $20,000 for repairs and maintenance and $5,000 for fund-raising, according to a presentation made at Tuesday’s commissioners meeting.
At the meeting, board members and staff said the county could afford to contribute more to help the society provide services and programs drawing tourists as well as local residents.
“We know the need is there in Warren County. And frankly we know we have the money,” board member Denny Means said.
While hedging on upping the contribution from the county general fund, Commissioner Dave Young suggested the historical society could benefit from funding through the county bed tax which funds the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“I’m a big fan of what you do,” Young said.
Board Member Bill Duning urged Young to press the convention bureau to provide funds to the society.
Commissioner Pat South joined Grossmann in seeking further information on funding by other counties.
Rather than operating funds, South urged the society to seek capital funding from the county for new projects to add to the endowment.
“You are the best kept secret in the county,” South said.
About the Author
