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Dickinson County Museum asks supervisors for $50,000 to cover rising operating costs
Summary
The Dickinson County Museum told supervisors it completed two major capital projects and is requesting $50,000 in county support for fiscal 2027 to help cover inflationary pressures on utilities, insurance and year‑round staffing.
Mary, speaking for the Dickinson County Museum, told the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors the museum completed two major projects in the past year — an 11‑stall parking lot that improves safety for school groups and a renovated 1884 depot called “Steve’s Depot.” She said those capital projects, including a transformative $250,000 depot renovation, were funded by grants and donations and have increased visitation and school programming.
"This transformative $250,000 project was entirely funded by grants and donations," Mary said, adding that museum school visits and general attendance have risen since the depot reopened. She said staff now provide monthly educational programming at three care facilities and have expanded interactive exhibits that draw regional visitors.
Mary said operating expenses have risen with increased hours and year‑round staffing needs. "With expected inflationary increases in insurance, utilities, and wages, along with increased hours of operation and service to the county, we're requesting county funding of $50,000 for the 2027 fiscal year," she said.
The museum’s annual budget was about $24,500 in 2021, Mary said, and has grown to roughly $100,000; the request asks the county to cover roughly half of that operating budget. Supervisors asked no substantive questions during the presentation and thanked the museum for its work.
The board did not take a formal vote on the funding request during the meeting; Mary invited supervisors to schedule a tour and follow up if they wanted more detail.
