The information below is provided by the Historic Mobile Preservation Society on behalf of the Oakleigh Museum and Home. This is in response to recent news that the new city budget cuts funding to Oakleigh by $3000 annually. This recent cut is on the heels of cuts over the last few years that reduced funding from $100,000 to the current $27,000 annually, expected to cover, with ticket revenue, all utilities, insurance, property care and structural maintenance and safety. Those of us who live in historic structures realize that maintenance is ongoing and costly to keep a historic home well maintained, and when public use is added, maintenance increases. Further, there are virtually no grants available which provide operational funding such as utilities or insurance. When the general condition of a museum and historic structure declines, when advertising cannot be afforded, and when grants are not available, a downward cycle is begun: declining condition results in fewer visitors, which results in decreased revenue, and the cycle continues. Like almost all of our community’s nonprofits, Oakleigh operates on a month-to-month basis for operational expenses, and low income months such as non-tourist times are particularly challenging. Note below that HMPS will bring their case to City Council on Oct. 11. You are encouraged to attend and if you are moved to do so, speak or write Council for your personal position on Oakleigh.
FROM HMPS:
“Oakleigh remains open for at least the next two weeks as we pursue several initiatives to ensure the continued operation of Oakleigh.
One of those initiatives is to address the City Council and seek their assistance at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 11 at 10:30 am. We hope that as many supporters of Oakleigh as can will attend this meeting and show their support for Oakleigh.
Another initiative that we are pursuing is requesting pledges to support Oakleigh. The recommended amount is $500, but any pledge will indicate support for Oakleigh. Pledges only are being accepted now – we will not begin to collect pledges until we have received enough pledges to ensure the continued operation of Oakleigh. We are encouraged with pledges received so far – pledges have come from all over Mobile and from as far away as Virginia and Louisiana.
You can make a pledge at hmps@bellsouth.net or by mail to HMPS, 300 Oakleigh Place, Mobile, AL 36604.”