County museum facing pain, too

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY — Patricia Burns, a museum building attendant of the Sullivan County Museum, told lawmakers that the museum has a lot to offer, including the largest archive of historical documents in the county. But with looming budget cuts, the museum faces the possibility of being closed down.

“I don’t want to see this facility closed,” said Burns “It’s a very necessary facility.”

Legislator Leni Binder, who is on the museum board, said she is frustrated at the process in which the budget cuts were being determined,

She wondered, for instance, if an artist pays to use the facility, does that money come back to help pay for the museum. When a direct answer was not forthcoming, she said, “Sometimes I think we’re cutting off our nose to spite our face.”

Binder pointed out those facilities, such as the museum, had already completed printings and mailings.

Legislator Jonathan Rouis responded that the county is in the same situation, having to make many changes midyear.

Burns said she understands the budget problems, but the museum staff would like to know as soon as possible how deep the cuts would actually be.

“It’s embarrassing,” said Burns. “It’s like inviting someone to dinner and then telling them no, you can’t come.”