RELATED: Historical society studies results after tax issue fails
Clark County commissioners passed a resolution Wednesday allowing the levy to be placed on the ballot.
The historical society operates the Heritage Center of Clark County, a local history museum inside the ornate original City Hall in downtown Springfield.
The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 house less than $10 annually, Sherrock said. A similar request was rejected at the polls in November 2015, with 54 percent of voters denying it.
The historical society currently uses part of its nearly $5 million endowment to operate the Heritage Center, Sherrock said. If voters approve the levy, it would allow the historical society to save that money, he said, and eventually increase its endowment.
If voters approve it, the majority of the money would go toward capital projects and repairs, while a portion will go toward operating money, Sherrock said. It will also allow the Heritage Center to update certain exhibits, he said.
RELATED: World War 1 exhibit opening at Clark County Heritage Center
“All of those systems are between 15 and 20 years old and they’re getting beyond their useful life,” Sherrock said.
The levy will generate more awareness of the Heritage Center locally, Clark County Commissioner Melanie Flax Wilt said.
“It’s all in the PR,” Clark County Commissioner Rick Lohnes said.
The historical society is currently in the midst of a membership drive, Sherrock said, traveling to different sectors of the county to speak with residents about what they have to offer.
“We’re getting more and more people in the county to realize what we have here,” he said.
MORE: Heritage Center seeks more Clark County history, artifacts
It’s also been reaching out to the agriculture base of the county, he said, as many of the manufacturing artifacts in the museum are related to agriculture.
“We’ve lost that connection with the ag community and I think we’re trying to work on getting that back,” Sherrock said.
Some of the permanent exhibits are more than 20 years old, he said. The levy money would likely be used to store old ones and provide materials for new and different exhibits, Sherrock said.
Clark County commissioners were supportive of the proposal
“It’s a gem for Clark County, that’s for sure,” Commissioner Lowell McGlothin said.
MORE LOCAL STORIES: Read the latest news from Michael Cooper
The Heritage Center on South Fountain Avenue is in the Old City Building downtown that was designed by famed local architect Charles Creagar and completed in 1890. It opened as a museum and home to the historical society in 2001 after an extensive renovation.
Springfield resident Cindy Collier will likely support the levy, she said.
“It’s not that bad,” she said. “Springfield needs a lot.”
SOCIAL MEDIA: FOLLOW REPORTER MICHAEL COOPER ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
It’s important to maintain one of downtown’s most important historical buildings, said Springfield resident Linda Northern. It’s sad to look at old photos of the buildings that have been demolished downtown, she said.
“It’s nice to have something you can look back on,” she said. “There’s a lot of important things in the museum. Ten dollars per year? I mean, that’s two cartons of pop. I wouldn’t think that would be a problem.”
3 QUICK MUST READ STORIES
Drug epidemic wreaking havoc on Clark County businesses, economy
Springfield backs $24M hazardous dump cleanup near water source
Springfield to restore cuts to $2.68M court budget after court order
By the numbers
$700,000: Estimated revenue generated annually by proposed Clark County Historical Society levy.
$3.5 million: Estimated revenue generated during proposed five-year levy.
$10: Estimated annual cost for the owner of a $100,000 home.
Unmatched coverage
The Springfield News-Sun provides in-depth coverage of Clark and Champaign counties, including recent stories on the powerboat races at the Clark County fairgrounds and the proposed wind farm in Champaign County.
About the Author