City questions museum's expenses versus income

 

 
 
 

A recent report to council regarding the White Rock Museum and Archives Society has some members of council wondering if the organization is doing all that it can to remain a sustainable part of the community.

According to the society's annual report, the organization is currently spending $22,145 a year on its gift shop while only bringing in $11,000 in revenue, something that has White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin questioning the way things are being run.

"They're losing $11,000 a year from the gift shop," noted Baldwin. "That's not good."

Baldwin was also concerned about the society, citing temporary income earners in its budget as sources of revenue, noting that next year, those options may be unavailable.

"They're relying on one-time things that are disappearing, things that can't be counted on," said Baldwin.

The biggest income earner for the society is a yearly grant by the City of White Rock, which amounted to $85,000 for 2012. The next largest sources of income were endowment funds amounting to $30,000, fundraising at $12,000 and then the gift shop at $11,000.

In terms of costs, the biggest expense was salaries at $97,100, followed by the gift shop at $22,000 and payroll expenses at $18,000.

For 2012, the society brought in $181,845 while spending $181,745 on expenses. For 2013, the organization has a budget of $181,745, $92,000 of which will be provided in a grant by the city.

Finally, the report mentioned that in the last year, the museum attracted 23,000 visitors and guests, a number Coun.

Larry Robinson didn't seem particularly impressed with.

"Really, you're looking at 2,000 people a month but in the really good three months in the summer you should have 23,000 people," he said. "So that's something we need to look at in White Rock, see if we're promoting it properly."

The White Rock Museum and Archives Society was unavailable for comment.

Twitter @questionchris

cpoon@thenownewspaper.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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