South Bannock County Historical Center seeks to hold funding level amid building and water‑usage concerns

Zach Stoddard, administrator of the South Bannock County Historical Center & Museum in Lava Hot Springs, asked Bannock County commissioners to maintain the museum’s current county support this year and described several maintenance and utility concerns that could require larger funding next year.

Stoddard said he planned to keep the status quo for the coming year — which he stated as $1,500 per quarter — to allow time to assess building needs for the 50‑year‑old structure. He said he expects to return next year seeking a larger appropriation and described the possibility of requesting roughly $12,000 for the full year (about $3,000 per quarter) to cover upcoming maintenance needs.

Stoddard outlined specific risks: difficulty securing a timely structural assessment, an unresolved plumbing issue that could be costly, and inconsistent monthly water meter readings. "The city has me every once in a while using upwards of 86,000 gallons a month," Stoddard told commissioners, saying that reading was hard to reconcile with the museum’s fixtures and that he was pursuing temporary meter checks and city assistance.

Commissioners acknowledged clear financial reporting from the museum and urged practical steps: have the city double‑check the meter or install a temporary meter, and coordinate with county maintenance staff to assess repair options. Stoddard said he would pursue those steps and thanked commissioners for their suggestions.

No formal vote took place on funding during the presentation; the museum’s request will be considered as part of the county’s broader budget process.