INNISFAIL – The Innisfail and District Historical Society is facing financial challenges that has forced a request for its first cost-of-living bump in six years from the Town of Innisfail to help cover rising operational costs brought on by today’s soaring inflation.
“We’re challenged. A lot of it is that unknown that we're about ready to go into,” said Anna Lenters, president of the society, following the society’s first presentation in more than five years to town council on Nov. 7.
Lenters told council the society did not receive federal grant support in 2022 to pay for summer job help at the Innisfail and District Historical Village; a situation adding to rising operational costs that’s made worse by today’s soaring inflation.
Council was told that despite not getting a grant to help pay for two and half summer positions this year the society did find a way to cover that needed expense.
“We sold a lot of ice cream. We worked really hard and dipped into our finances in order to pay them,” said Lenters. “We reduced some of our hours of operation in order to lessen our overhead.”
She said the society is now forecasting a $25,000 shortfall in its 2023 operational budget. That figure, added Lenters, is about 20 per cent of the society’s annual $125,000 operating budget.
Council was reminded the Town of Innisfail now provides 20 per cent of the society’s annual budget, which works out to be $27,000.
Mayor Jean Barclay noted the $25,000 shortfall amount and asked if that was what the society was seeking from the town. Lenters said the society was not “specifying” any dollar figure.
“This is something we will continue to work towards resolving,” Lenters replied, adding the society will accept “whatever” is deemed fit by council, especially a cost-of-living increase as it has been six years. “We have been absorbing this all this time. We've now just reached a wall where we can't do it anymore.
“What we are being is fiscally responsible in that we're projecting ahead; trying to factor in some inflation that's yet to occur and trying to think about how a possible recession would impact people's spending habits,” added Lenters. “And you go, ‘well, what's this look like?’ How much trouble could we potentially find ourselves in? You attempt to be proactive. I think we're being fiscally responsible.”
Council was told the society has urgent restoration and maintenance expenses that must be addressed. This includes $100,000 of log restoration on The Spruces stopping house at the historical village, and maintenance of the ground’s asphalt walkways that are now buckling and presenting a tripping hazard.
Council was told the society has recently received an $8,000 COVID recovery grant and is currently applying for several provincial and federal supports, including an operational grant from the Alberta Museum Association.
She also noted the society is receiving local legacy support from families, including the Thomson family with annual financial support for the ongoing Sinclair House project.
Barclay said after Lenters’ presentation that council will be going into budget deliberations later this month and the society’s challenges will be discussed then.
She said the town already provides support but will take a look at the society’s request for a cost-of-living boost and see where it fits within the upcoming municipal budget process.
“I think we all recognize how important the historical village is to the community, and of course we will hopefully be able to help them out,” said Barclay. “They’re such an important partner for us. We want to make sure we're doing what we can to make sure they're successful and help them be successful.”
