StateHistoricalSocietyJamestown (CSi) The Regular Meeting of the State Historical Society of North Dakota Board was held Friday at the CSi Technology Center at Historic Franklin School.

In addition to the meeting members toured the former elementary school, now home to CSi Cable and CSi Computers.   The board members also toured the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse in Jamestown.

At Friday’s meeting the board addressed budget cuts, in line with Governor Jack Dalrymple’s request for state agencies to cut their budgets by 10-percent, stemming from the downturn in oil revenues and the decrease in farm commodity prices.

Tentative cuts in the base budget are targeted for 10-percent or $1.8 million, or 10-percent.

The board discussed ways to accomplish the cut in spending through such means as reducing the staffing to save about $604,000.

The method discussed to achieve the cuts also includes not filling vacancies on the staff, current staff members taking on larger roles, along with upcoming staff retirements.

Also discussed was reducing the number of temporary employees, and seasonal staff. Staff reductions would save about $160,000.

Operations cuts of 12-percent were discussed, saving another $360,000.

Program reductions will also be made to save costs.

It was pointed out that the way the State Historical Society operates will be looking at things in a different way.

It was brought up that the NDSHS will look at applying for grant funding, and seeking other funding sources. More cuts may be necessary at the end of this year.

The State Historical Society Board passed a reduced budget for the 2017-19 biennium, and will bring budget requests to the State Legislature.

At the conclusion of the board members, Director Claudia Berg presented Art Todd of Jamestown a photographic remembrance of the Heritage Center, and State Museum.

She noted that Todd served as board president and a total of 23 years, on the board, from 1981-83 and 1993-2016.

Todd said the picture will have a place of prominence in his home.