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Reader Comments

Lone Rider wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:21 PM:

" The BBHC's financial woes should not come as a surprise. The new executive director inherited this already existing problem when he came onboard. many of the staffers at the BBHC had seen this coming for the past several years, in fact it is the reason that a number of them got out while the getting was good. Declining visitor attendance was countered by jacking up the admission costs which only resulted in even lower attendance. Arrogance on part of the prior executive director and upper administration coupled with inept board leadership and board members who kept their heads buried in the sand have left the new executive director and the hardworking staffers at the BBHC in this mess.

How much money could be saved by having all the board meeting at the museum here in Cody as opposed to spending the money to fly board members and their spouses all across the country or the globe for 2 day board meetings where they stayed and played for a week. And putting those board members up and feeding them here in Cody would have helped the local economy while saving the BBHC tons of money. "

Dewey wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:27 AM:

" Brad, old friend--- the 10 "official" jobs cut at BBHC save "only " $127,000 between now and the end of the year, 3 months time. The actual target sum given to the Director to cut was $ 500,000 in ANNUAL payroll. The story reporting did not make this too clear. Above and beyond the "Ten "jobs cut there are some other consolidations ( the building superintendent is suddenly also Chief of Security, for instance) and a few upstairs management people are leaving by attrition a little sooner than they might have, so the BBHC is losing more than just the 10 skeleton jobs.

The real story here is that an "Enterprising" reporter needs to show us the 2nd and 3rd Quarter Sales Tax reports; Yellowstone Gate Attendance, BBHC attendance ; Cody airport passenger counts for May-end of September; Cody Trolley ridership ; river float raft rides , and a few other indicators--- all on the same page at the same time. Then you will see that Cody Wyoming is in denial about its precious tourism economy. Except for the Nite Rodeo, which seems to be doing fine ??? "

Fred wrote on Aug 15, 2008 6:24 AM:

" Making critical financial choices in a time of lower income and higher expense usually involves painful decisions – whether by families or businesses – and deciding to cut jobs is never easy. Directing blame, anger and criticism at the current museum leadership team is not only understandable, but also very easy – and they probably expect it. However, the current financial situation at the BBHC was created primarily by the poor management of a museum director and under-performance of a development director who are both long gone. So people who are suggesting that some of the present (and higher-paid) leaders should be replaced are mistaken. The BBHC needs responsible, practical and courageous leaders now more than any other time in the history of their operation.

In these difficult economic times, there are many other local businesses laying people off as well – but without the publicity. "

Former Fan of the BBHC wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:15 PM:

" Cutting Jobs is the answer for this small community that thrives off of the tourists? How about cut the expenses that the top Dogs are incurring by all of their rendevous & meetings to go over that budget. Or the high class entertaing these top dogs incur as they are trying to get more donations. Or better yet perhaps some of the extravagant administrative payrolls could be trimmed a little and they may have to live on a smaller budget like the rest of us normal folk. "

Brad Butler wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:46 PM:

" I'm amazed that eliminating 10 jobs would only translate to a savings of $127,000. When you figure that benefits for employees cost most employers 25 to 30 percent, the BBHC must be paying these folks about $7 per hour. Unfortunately, when faced with budget problems, most business people turn to slashing jobs to make ends meet. And it is usually the little people at the bottom of the ladder that end up losing their jobs; the ones who can least afford it. I'm sure that eliminating one or two white collar positions near the top would save them more... "

Dewey wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:39 AM:

" This is a symptom. The malady that needs treated is that Cody Wyoming has no Plan B for life without Buffalo Bill , Yellowstone Park , and Rodeo. Take those things away and add in geographic isolation , high cost of living and housing, and old fashioned ignorance of the real world, and the town you are left with looks pretty anemic. I'm sorry , but Forward Cody , retirees , and conservative ( shortminded) business people will not save you. It's well past the time to discard the past. But who has the courage to do so or even say so ?
*
FYI---Ten is the number the BBHC officially laid off; the actual number of employees leaving in the near future is somewhat higher. "

Jeffrey Brock wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:55 PM:

" It is sad that the center has to layoff these valuable workers. I understand the economy is tough and the center has had to make this difficult decision. I hope the workers can find work elsewhere.

The center is invaluable to your community. I live in Georgia and visit Cody often. I love your area and the people in your beautiful community.

Best wishes to everyone at the BBHC "

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