Board Treasurer Allan Smirni submitted a preliminary financial report for the time period of January through November, 2020, which reflects the impact the pandemic has had on the society’s budget. A full report of the financial year 2019-20 will be presented at the next General Meeting, whenever we can once again safely gather together.
The Victorian Teas are the society’s biggest fundraiser, and the fact that the spring teas had to be cancelled left a big gaping hole in our budget. Since we were also unable to hold the two annual garage sales or rent out the upstairs meeting room for events, the income for the past eight-month period consists mainly of membership dues ($8,800) and donations ($9,400), plus Museum Store sales through March 8th ($3,400), after which the museum was closed.
Meanwhile, the museum’s basic operating costs, which include electricity, water, telephone and internet services, basic maintenance, and the printing and mailing of the newsletter, continued every month. Maintenance swallowed up $2,900, and general operations $8,800. We paid $4,600 for professional services, security, utilities, and webhosting, and another $4,200 for computer, insurance, janitorial, and supplies. Expenses for October and November are estimated to be $4,000, plus an anticipated future project expense of $36,000 for new exhibits. On top of all that, we had to replace an old furnace in January, at a cost of $14,000.
Because the expenses have far outweighed the income since the pandemic began, it is more important than ever for those of us who are able to contribute in any way we can. Please see the insert attached to this newsletter for ways in which you can support the SHSMA during this difficult time, including donating to the 2020 Annual Fund Campaign. Thank you.
by Kathrina Woodman