Commissioners and staff discussed recent public comments about the Sampson County History Museum’s proposed allocation. Museum representatives had requested $76,598 for operations; the budget currently includes $20,000. County finance staff and commissioners noted the museum is an outside agency (not a county department) and not mandated, and the board debated whether to restore additional funding now or wait to hear public comment at the scheduled Monday hearing.

Points raised in the discussion:
- Finance staff said the museum’s operating expenses included a reported annual power bill of roughly $14,000 and that the city had provided support for an adjacent building renovation.
- Commissioners said they were receiving more public feedback about the museum’s cuts than about the tax increase and that public hearings provide a chance for residents to make their case directly.
- Several board members expressed sympathy for the museum and suggested the option of partial restoration, coupled with guidance that the museum pursue grants and other earned revenues to reduce reliance on county operating support.

Board direction: Commissioners said they prefer to wait for public hearing testimony Monday night and to consider the museum’s future funding after hearing from residents, rather than making a pre‑hearing change.

Ending: The museum’s funding level remained at $20,000 in the draft; commissioners asked staff to be ready to consider restoration amounts after the public hearing and to include that potential amendment in the Wednesday/Friday process.