A levy to continue funding maintenance, staff time and new historical pieces for the Bowman Museum in Prineville was approved by a wide margin in Tuesday’s general election.

The four-year local option levy is expected to raise about $139,000 next year and increase to about $165,000 in four years.

The funds will help the museum preserve a large community room for weddings and other gatherings and expand its permanent exhibit space, according to Jan Anderson, president of the Crook County Historical Society.

In addition, the money will allow the museum to maintain its hours and staffing levels. The museum is staffed by two full-time employees and three part-time workers.

The four-year levy had been passed on five occasions, beginning in 1998. It was renewed four times in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.

The levy has never increased and collects 6 cents per $1,000 of taxable assessed property value. The owner of a home assessed at $200,000 would pay $12 per year.

The museum in the old Crook County Bank is named after former county judge and businessman A.R. Bowman. The museum averages about 10,000 visitors per year.

— Reporter: 541-617-7820, kspurr@bendbulletin.com