Historical Society asks Vernon County to boost stipend after new heating/cooling installed

Kristen Parrott, curator and executive director of the Vernon County Historical Society, told the Vernon County Finance Committee that the society has recently begun installing heating and air conditioning on the museum’s 2nd and 3rd floors and will have heat in place for the winter. "My name is Kristen Parrott, and I'm the curator and executive director at the Vernon County Historical Society," Parrott said in public comment.

Parrott said the climate control will make the exhibit spaces more attractive year‑round and benefit local businesses because many visitors eat, shop or stay overnight in Viroqua. She warned, however, that utility bills will increase and noted the current county stipend “goes entirely towards the wages of our 2 part time employees.” She asked the committee to "consider increasing our stipend to help with the increased utility costs." Parrott left copies of the annual report for committee members to review and invited follow‑up questions.

Why it matters: the museum is a local cultural asset whose operations draw economic activity to downtown Viroqua. Any change to the stipend would affect the county budget and could set a precedent for other municipal support requests. The committee did not take immediate action and directed staff to note the request for budget consideration during the 2026 process.