Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to one of the councillor’s comments in the Fitzhugh regarding the presentation made recently by the museum manager.
I believe it was the intention of the manager to bring council up to date on the status of the museum and to present the three-year budget recently approved by the museum board. The budget therefore is not the “dismal” financials referred to in the article, as the actual audited financial statements for the year—ending Dec.31, 2013—show a fairly healthy, well run organization, considering the constant financial challenges faced by the museum as a non-profit society—the museum will always face these challenges unless the community increases its support.
The councillor’s contention that the museum is “ not untenable” is quite misleading as the museum has been working for more than 20 years and, thanks to the continued support of the volunteers, donors and members, will continue to work in the future.
He goes on to state that the museum needs a completely different way of doing business. I am not sure how a museum can operate other than as a museum, unless of course it is turned into a liquor store or another gift shop.
When he states that “if the municipality takes on a bunch of costs, we [the municipality] would want some say in how the operation [is run],” may I remind him that there is already a very capable and competent council member on the museum board now.
He then goes on to state that if council has to give further financial support to the museum it would require a change in the museum’s organizational structure. I wonder, how would he suggest a volunteer board, a manager and three staff, two of which are part time, be restructured?
I must remind council members that if the citizens of Jasper recognize a need for a museum and archives and are willing to give of their time, effort and financial support in the way of donations, volunteer hours and membership to the society, they are entitled to support, including financial, from council.
Many hours are spent by the society members in an attempt to preserve the history and heritage of our community, which, as the manager pointed out, makes the museum and archives an irreplaceable and invaluable resource to the community. I believe it is therefore council’s duty and responsibility to support, in any way possible, the efforts of the museum staff and volunteers.
I am sure the museum board would welcome a constructive dialogue with council on ways to increase the financial viability of the museum and make it more fair to the museum staff.
Jack Templeton
Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives board member
Jasper, Alta.
