The Eurekas Springs Cemetery Commission met Dec.13 for a special session to discuss and justify next year’s budget. They covered the fixed amount of money allocated by the city used mainly to offset maintenance expenses.
There is a separate budget that includes income from the sale of burial and cremation plots, donations, investment income, and fundraising. Because it relies to an extent on donations, which vary from year-to-year, that budget remains a constant work in progress. Expenses falling in that category last year were also discussed for purposes of putting together a forecast for the next year.
Commissioner L.B. Wilson stated that a larger city contribution proposal than last year’s is appropriate given cost overruns and expected increases in 2022. Wilson also suggested a change in format to include more specific and better defined line items than in the past, anticipated increased costs, a more detailed picture of how funds are spent, and a better understanding of what new projects may be feasible. Secretary Glenna Booth agreed that a more detailed budget format is appropriate.
Treasurer Judy Holden noted that the city has, in the past several years, given $7,100 per year to the Cemetery Commission. The city also pays for salary and benefits of one full-time employee, the groundskeeper. Holden reported that the $7,100 did not fully cover 2021 maintenance expenses, requiring the commission itself to pay additional amounts. There were also some extra temporary help wages. Holden said this, along with expected costs in several areas, has resulted in an increase in what the board is requesting in 2022.
Additional expenditures include a new sign, tree trimming, and all service, maintenance and equipment not covered by the city’s contribution. Booth remarked that, while there has traditionally been little strain on the budget, this year there was an additional $12,000 in expenses. Holden listed several areas of increase which include fuel, electricity, wages, tree trimming, truck maintenance, truck repair after it was broken into, insurance, and other items.
Expenses that were notably higher this year include $942 for electricity, with one more bill due before year’s end. There was speculation that someone in the garage may have been running heat and air conditioning, something Booth says is likely not OSHA compliant and certainly not safe.
Water costs were up $200. Office supplies were $3,500, higher than in past years. Tree trimming costs ran $1,400. Total maintenance was $8,000, and additional labor came in at $2,300. The new sign was covered by donations.
Commissioners voted to ask the city to increase its budget contribution from $7,100 to $10,000.
The next meeting is Jan.8, 9:30 a.m. at the Aud.