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 [log in to unmask] 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 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).