Bonner County Historical Society asks commissioners for $46,000 levy to preserve museum collection

Bonner County Historical Society leaders asked the Bonner County Board of Commissioners for $46,000 in levy funding to preserve the society’s museum collection during a presentation to the board. The request, society representatives said, targets conservation and facilities needs rather than programming.

The funding request matters because Idaho law gives counties the authority to levy for preservation of historical records, artifacts and structures; society presenters cited a statute they identified as Title 31, section 8‑46 in describing the county’s authority to fund preservation. The society told commissioners that preserving locally donated items is the purpose of that levy and the reason for the current request.

Chuck Lohman, a presenter for the Bonner County Historical Society, told commissioners that preserving the county’s artifacts is a legally authorized local purpose and argued the levy is appropriate: “Preservation is not a luxury, it's a public duty and one that this Board is uniquely empowered to support.” Hannah Combs, the society’s executive director, provided financial details and…