Des Plaines might not fund History Center
Des Plaines might entirely end its support of the History Center as part of proposed cutbacks in the 2011 budget.
Des Plaines Historical Society President John Burke made a plea to the city council Wednesday night not to completely yank funding from the organization.
The city already reduced the History Center's funding from $166,000 in 2009 to $40,000 this calendar year. During last fall's budget talks, the city had initially considered cutting all funding to the society to plug a deficit of more than $5 million. The city manager's office has again recommended eliminating all funding for the center in 2011.
"The requested $40,000 will be absolutely critical to our ability to survive the coming year," Burke said.
The Historical Society maintains and runs three historic buildings: the History Center, the Kinder House and the Fisher-Wright House.
Burke said since the city subsidy was cut this year, the society board and History Center staff devised a business plan to reduce the group's dependency on city funds.
"We immediately got busy reaffirming our mission, creating a growth plan in three stages and setting an ambitious fundraising goal of $175,000 to cover the shortfall," Burke said.
To date, the society has raised $75,000 more than it has raised in any other year which includes $12,500 in proceeds from the city's 175th anniversary party held last spring, Burke said.
The society also has increased its membership by 101 so far this year and is averaging more than 200 volunteers a month.
The Des Plaines Park District also has upped its contribution to the society by $14,400 to $87,600.
With less funding to go around, the society recently slashed the History Center's hours and staff. The center is no longer open on Mondays and Tuesdays and is open only on the first and third Sundays of the month instead of every Sunday. Three part-time positions and one full-time position have been eliminated, leaving three full-time employees whose salaries also have been cut 10 percent.
Programming cuts and fee increases also are being implemented.
"Our present financial situation is perilous, but we are still hopeful of surviving," Burke said.
Fifth Ward Alderman James Brookman questioned how the group plans to fund itself entirely, to which Burke replied the society has identified new sources of funding, as well as foundations and corporations it can reach out to for support.
"We are not as hesitant anymore about going out to local corporations," Burke said. "We're getting some new ideas and new initiatives on our own and from the advisory committee. I think there's a lot of people in the community that believe in us and believe in our mission."
Several city aldermen voiced support for the society's work and some said they would try to preserve funding, while others asked for a copy of the group's latest business plan.
"I think that it's important to see that plan upfront," 3rd Ward Alderman Matt Bogusz said.
Fourth Ward Alderwoman Jean Higgason, who chairs the finance committee, said the council will revisit the matter during the course of budget discussions, which continue today and again on Oct. 20 and 25.