Resource Management Committee backs $10,000 grant request for Allegany County Historical Society

On Sept. 3, 2025, the Resource Management Committee voted to appoint Amy Q as part‑time county historian and to recommend a $10,000 county grant to the Allegany County Historical Society, sending the grant and a contract to Ways and Means and the full board for final approval. Committee member K. Demick moved to appoint Amy Q; Batten seconded the motion, which the committee approved. Later in the discussion the committee voted to direct county staff to prepare a contract and advance a $10,000 appropriation to the next committees.

The historical society's representatives told the committee the money would go toward basic operations and preservation work. Cheryl Jackson, a board member of the Allegany County Historical Society, said the group pays for utilities, mailing and printing costs, preservation and storage materials, insurance and computer equipment and upgrades. "We're asking for $10,000 and would appreciate your consideration," Jackson said. Treasurer Sue Dempsey described the society's museum and research services and noted the group's recent work getting the Pink House listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "We have a fully functioning research facility over there and a rather impressive museum," Dempsey said.

County staff advised the committee that local governments generally may not give away taxpayer money without legal authority but that statutes permit spending for historic purposes; staff said a simple two‑page contract could be written, modeled on agreements the county uses with local nonprofit groups. Staff also said there is money available in the county's contracting budget and estimated "I think it's $15" (not specified further), but added that some of that funding would be used to cover salary for the new part‑time historian for the remainder of the year. The appointment of Amy Q is scheduled to begin Sept. 12, 2025, and to run through the end of the year, to coincide with the board's term.

The committee's approval of the grant recommendation and the historian appointment does not by itself release funds. Committee members and staff said the next steps are preparation of a contract and a formal appropriation resolution to be considered by Ways and Means and then by the full board. Committee discussion included brief questions about the society's fundraising and outreach efforts; society leaders said they plan to expand membership and programming and to pursue grants but described those revenues as irregular. The committee did not set any conditions or amendments to the requested grant beyond directing staff to draft the contract and bring the appropriation forward.

If the full board approves the appropriation and contract, the society said it would apply the funds to operations, preservation materials and programming that support countywide research and education efforts.