Directors of the four museums in Yellowstone County addressed commissioners regarding the county’s budget, which includes funding for museums, during a meeting on Wednesday morning.
Zach Garhart, the director of the Yellowstone County Museum, started the discussion, followed by Kevin Kooistra from the Western Heritage Center, Neal Gunnells from the Huntley Project Museum, and Jessica Kay Ruhle from the Yellowstone Art Museum.
This annual hearing took a different turn this year when commissioners announced a reduction in funding for the Yellowstone Art Museum in the upcoming years.
Previously, the county allocated funds with 12% going to the Huntley Project Museum, 25% each to the YAM and Yellowstone County Museum, and 30% to the Western Heritage Center, with the remaining percentages designated for museum maintenance and a museum fund.
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Due to financial constraints caused by inflation, the commission faces tough decisions regarding budgeting for the upcoming year, according to Commissioner John Ostlund.
Ostlund emphasized the importance of additional museum funding to maintain county-owned properties like the Western Heritage Center and the Yellowstone County Museum.
Ruhle expressed concern over the potential impact of the funding cuts on the YAM’s services, including educational programs, citing a significant shortfall over the next two years.
While the YAM received a sizable donation, it is allocated for the museum’s endowment and cannot be used to cover budget shortfalls. The directors of the museums presented their cases during the meeting, highlighting the needs of their respective institutions.
The Yellowstone County Museum, aiming for accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, requires upkeep of the historic McCormick Cabin. The Western Heritage Center and the Huntley Project Museum also identified crucial maintenance and operational needs.
Supporters of the Yellowstone Art Museum expressed disappointment over the proposed funding cuts, highlighting the museum’s role in community engagement and youth education.
The final decision on museum funding is expected to be made by the commissioners in September.
