HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_0069Chairman Tice asked Cooper if she was asking for the $60,000 out of the FY 2000-01
budget.
Cooper said that anyway the county chose to do it would be fine. She said that if the county
wanted to allocate the money over a five-year period that would be agreeable.
Commissioner Fortner asked how much the museum had received from the state in recent
years.
Cooper said she thought $17,000 had been received. She said the money was used at the
Court Street site for structural repairs, and the facility was in compliance with the building codes for
the renovations.
Fortner asked how the museum would find the other money for the renovations.
Cooper said a capital campaign had begun - - private individuals and corporate sponsors
would be approached.
Commissioner Johnson asked Cooper if she was asking for a letter of intent to fund, or for
the $60,000.
Cooper said it was her understanding, from the prior museum director, that there was an
opportunity to have the money advanced. She said if this occurred, the museum officials would not
request any money from the county during the ensuing ten years. Also, that thereafter, the museum
would hope to be self-supporting.
Commissioner Stewart asked if the museum owned the Court Street building.
Cooper said the museum was making loan payments to NationsBank.
Stewart asked if the yearly $6,000 helped to make the loan payments.
Cooper said it went towards operating expenses, e.g., salaries, mortgage payments, whatever
needed to be covered.
Stewart asked how the museum board hoped to pay for the renovation and operating costs.
Cooper said through fund-raising - - better public awareness. She said the membership had
increased, and the city and state assisted with contributions.
Stewart asked for an audit report on the museum.
Commissioner Bowles asked if the museum board planned to secure a second note on the
building for the renovations.
Cooper said her board was requesting the $60,000 advancement to be used as collateral for
acquiring other funds.
Chairman Tice said she recently attended a benefit honoring House Representative Frank
Mitchell. She asked about the success of the benefit.
Cooper said the museum made a $500 profit.