BYRON — Have you wanted to get involved in local government administration but don’t want to run for office? Being appointed to the board of a special purpose government is a great way to learn about your tax dollars at work.
The Byron Museum District is one of many local organizations that depends on a volunteer board and is currently seeking a responsible individual with experience in accounting, law, education, or have an interest in policy development.
Commissioner Jim Hess is a local taxidermist who has served multiple terms but will not reapply for the position this year. Museum staff and board members would like to thank Jim for his support and encourage you to attend the Taxidermy Demo Day on Saturday, June 21. Jim has spearheaded this event and will be on site that day to answer questions and demonstrate mounting techniques.
The next five-year term is now open on the Byron Museum District Board of Commissioners. Applicants must be a Byron resident, legal voter in the district and shall receive no compensation for your time. Applications are available on the Ogle County and Byron Museum websites https://www.byronmuseum.org/staff-and-board. Send application and résumé to the County Clerk’s Office located at 105 S. 5th St. – Suite 104, Oregon, IL
Applicants should be able to attend the museum’s monthly board meetings held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Byron Museum of History located at 110 N. Union St. in Byron. Officers are elected at the museum’s annual meeting in July. Four out of five museum commissioners serve as officers including president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Preferred candidates will be able to send and receive electronic communications and have a basic understanding of financial reports.
Nominations are made by the Ogle County Board’s nominating committee. The full County Board will vote to appoint the new Commissioner after an interview process in Oregon. The newly-appointed museum commissioner will be sworn in at the July 22 meeting of the Byron Museum District Board of Commissioners in Byron.
The powers and duties of the Museum Board generally include: oversight through the formulation and adoption of policies governing the museum and the procedures to be used in its operation; Museum Board members, as individuals, have no authority over museum affairs. The Board has authority only when acting as a body duly called into session.
The Byron Museum District staff and board is governed by the Illinois Museum Act 70 ILCS 1105. District residents and the public at large are always invited to attend Museum District Board meetings or visit the museum’s website for current meeting agendas and minutes. Anyone can make a written request to obtain a copy of the museum’s audited financial report or policies.
The Byron Museum of History is dedicated to preserving Byron’s rich history through exhibits, programs, and artifact preservation. For more information about the Byron Museum, or volunteering, please call the Museum: 815.234.5031 or visit the museum’s website at www.byronmuseum.org.
