A 15-percent reduction in the Holland Land Office Museum budget could mean a serious cut in programs or hours of operations, Board President Bob Turk told the county's Human Services Committee on Monday.
"A 15-percent cut would make it really hard to keep the museum going," Turk said.
The proposed budget provides about $39,000 for operations at HLOM.
Currently, the museum is staffed by one full-time director -- currently, Interim Director Jeff Donahue -- and a part-time staff member.
The loss of more than $6,000 in funding will mean the museum will likely need to cut its part-time employee, who provides essential support, both in terms of hours of operation and fundraising programs, that help keep the museum going, Turk said.
A 7.5- to 8.5-percent budget cut would be less damaging, he said.
Legislature Chairwoman Mary Pat Hancock, who sat in on the meeting, suggested that the museum board tap into its reserves.
"I understand you have a fund reserve," Hancock said, adding that the county has sometimes had to use its reserve funds, too.
Legislature Hollis Upson, who sits on the HLOM board, said the board has generally not considered the fund balance as something to use for operational expenses, but if it could be construed as a one-time measure, perhaps they would.
"It should be considered a survival tactic in extraordinary times," said Hancock.
Turk said he wants to find ways to keep the museum open more often, including starting a lecture series and other special events.
"I feel that the museum belongs to the community and I want to draw as many people into the building as possible because it's their building," Turk said.
There was no apparent support from legislators at the Human Services meeting for decreasing HLOM's budget cut.
The county budget must be approved by Dec. 8.
