Last week’s front-page headline “Study suggests borough to owe $500,000 if museum separates” is unfortunately somewhat misleading. As correctly explained in the body of the article, the Haines Borough is liable for pension payments to former and retired employees of the museum. These liabilities have already been incurred. The headline implies that the museum’s separation* from the Borough would result in the Borough owing this money. The Borough already owes this money. The $500,000 liability already exists. Whether the museum continues in its present form, or separates, or ceases to exist will have no effect on this pension liability.
*The word “separation” here refers to whether museum employees will remain Borough employees or become employees of the nonprofit.
Sincerely,
Kelleen Adams – President Haines Sheldon Museum Board of Trustees,
Julie Korsmeyer – Vice President Haines Sheldon Museum Board of Trustees, &
Sue Chasen – Haines Sheldon Museum Board Trustee