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Bannock County historical society seeks seasonal hire, proposes simpler fee split
Summary
A representative for the Bannock County Historical Society asked commissioners to approve a seasonal part‑time hire and to simplify the organization’s revenue split so the museum can cover increased summer traffic and school tours.
Mr. Eisenhower, a representative of the Bannock County Historical Society, told the Bannock County Board of Commissioners on July 28 that the society wants to simplify how admissions revenue is divided and hire one seasonal employee to cover heavy summer visitation.
Eisenhower said the society proposes moving to an 80%/20% split of all income in favor of the museum, replacing a more detailed, transaction‑by‑transaction allocation used in prior years. "80% of everything goes to the museum," he said. He told commissioners much of the museum’s revenue arrives during a concentrated May–September season and argued the simpler split would reduce bookkeeping burdens.
The request to the commission included funding for a part‑time, seasonal worker paid about $15 per hour from May through September, which Eisenhower estimated would cost roughly $12,000 for the season. He said the hiring plan was intended to avoid adding a permanent third staff member; according to the materials he provided, roughly 60% of annual admissions and related income occur in the summer months and school groups accounted for nearly 1,000 fourth‑grade visits this year.
Eisenhower also noted the Fort Hall replica is a significant out‑of‑state draw; he said a 50‑person group from Brigham Young University would visit the museum this week. He told commissioners the City of Oakdale currently handles much of the fort’s maintenance and yard work but that the society could not place a firm dollar value on that municipal support.
Commissioners asked routine clarifying questions about the society’s financial breakout and copy distribution for the record. Eisenhower said he would provide copies of his materials to county staff and asked the commission for its consideration. No formal vote or other action on funding was recorded during the public presentation.
The commission signaled it would review the proposal alongside other budget items; officials said they would follow up with the historical society after further review.
