Starting with the New Year, I will represent only the village of
Port Byron as historian. Recently the Town of Mentz announced that
starting in 2012, they expect their historian to fulfill the duties based on a
net operating budget (after association dues) of only $20.00 per year (had been
$70.00 in previous years). Any additional expense reimbursements require
board approval.
Funding for historians continues to be a challenge and is established by each municipality. The level of support fluctuates significantly across the Empire State where many historians in order to bring programs, promote and preserve history in their community, do so at their own expense. I have been happy to do so but there is a limit, considering the hard economic times we all face.
My relationship with the Town of Mentz began when their last historian resigned without completing the appointed term of office in 2009. Since that time, the Mentz Town Board has been cooperative and supportive of my vision as historian. However, there still has been great cost to me personally. Given the reduction effective for 2012, it is certainly inadequate support and is in my opinion, taking advantage of the historian.
Regrettably, I must decline, my appointed term for the Town expires December 31st. I would like to extend my appreciation to the Mentz Board for their support during my two years of service.
I look forward to remaining your village historian with the same level of commitment, to fulfill my duty to the best of my ability.
Mentz will appoint someone to service their needs soon and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
Funding for historians continues to be a challenge and is established by each municipality. The level of support fluctuates significantly across the Empire State where many historians in order to bring programs, promote and preserve history in their community, do so at their own expense. I have been happy to do so but there is a limit, considering the hard economic times we all face.
My relationship with the Town of Mentz began when their last historian resigned without completing the appointed term of office in 2009. Since that time, the Mentz Town Board has been cooperative and supportive of my vision as historian. However, there still has been great cost to me personally. Given the reduction effective for 2012, it is certainly inadequate support and is in my opinion, taking advantage of the historian.
Regrettably, I must decline, my appointed term for the Town expires December 31st. I would like to extend my appreciation to the Mentz Board for their support during my two years of service.
I look forward to remaining your village historian with the same level of commitment, to fulfill my duty to the best of my ability.
Mentz will appoint someone to service their needs soon and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
