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Faulkner County museum board presents $712,000 renovation estimate and seeks county contribution
Summary
Faulkner County Museum Board told the Infrastructure Committee it has a pro‑bono full design and a contractor estimate of $712,000 to renovate the county museum, has $75,000 on hand and a $100,000 pledge contingent on a county match; the board requested the committee consider a $250,000 county contribution and the committee said it would draft an
The Faulkner County Museum Board presented a fundraising and renovation plan to the county Infrastructure Committee, including a contractor’s estimate of $712,000 for a full restoration and a request that the county consider a $250,000 contribution. Board leaders said volunteers are operating the museum after the recent resignation of the executive director and that visitation has increased since expanded open hours.
The board’s chair (identified in the meeting as Brian) and secretary Cindy Benjamin reported that volunteers have increased staffing, that a recent Saturday open day drew more than 200 visitors, and that group tours are scheduled in the coming weeks. The board said it is pursuing fundraising and has $75,000 in capital on hand plus a $100,000 pledge from the Adcock family foundation contingent on a county match and other conditions discussed with the county judge’s office.
Board members said designer/contractor Steve Hurd produced a full plan and general‑contractor scope pro bono; the board presented Hurd’s estimate of $712,000 as an order‑of‑magnitude figure. The board described a fundraising target that would require raising approximately $287,000 in addition to the $100,000 private pledge and the proposed county contribution to reach the full estimate.
Committee members said next steps would include returning to the infrastructure committee to consider a county ordinance identifying a funding source, referral to budget/finance for debate, and then a return to the full court if the committee approves a contribution. The committee did not take a vote at the meeting; members asked staff to review the proposal, examine possible funding sources and bring a draft ordinance and recommendation back to the committee.
The board gave a preliminary two‑year timeline: raise the remaining funds this year, begin construction early next year and aim to reopen on or near July 4, 2026. The committee welcomed the more detailed plan compared with a prior presentation and asked board members and staff to continue work on fundraising and ordinance language before the proposal is scheduled for formal committee action.
