Hi John,

Yes, we do pay contractors for specific services at our museum without 
putting them on payroll.

Best to check with your accountant to figure out the preferred method. At 
the last museum I worked for, we hired a gala coordinator and paid her just 
like any other invoice received, such as those we receive from an outside 
exhibit designer, cleaning service, etc., and prepared a 1099 for her.

At this museum, we often go an extra step - we have prepared a personal 
services agreement that specifies the nature and commitement for the work, 
the contractor, etc etc., that is signed by both the contractor and a museum 
official. This comes in very handy when we have special projects to be paid 
out of grant money, for example, that are finite with definable measurable 
goods or services to be received, and can protect your interests quite 
nicely. I can email you a copy of that language off list should that be 
helpful.

For my two cents, contractors for fundraising and organizational planning 
may charge you "ten times" what you would pay an employee, even if it's a 
temp position.

It depends on your situation. I have no problems to report either way, but 
best to have a written agreement spelled out if you are worried about it.

Best,
Becky Patchett
Director of Collections and Exhibits
Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center
121 NW 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
Tel:     503-224-1458
Fax:     503-224-1459
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Has anyone in their museums used a consultant for planning, reorganization,
events, fundraising, conservation, etc.?   Or have you used a consultant
to serve as "temporary" employees to do a specific (fix the problem type)
job instead of hiring a full time public relations, event planner, and so
forth?
What are the common fees for such services?  And the "big" question -- 
was there any major problems or perks for association with such services?
Thanks in advance.

John
Boise, ID

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