The Eureka Springs Cemetery Board met Nov. 10, and Chair Roderick Beatie said that at a special meeting held Nov. 1, a motion was passed to make groundskeeper David Helms the new Sexton, effective when Sexton Gloria Stevens moves away.
Veterans Day banners and signs had been placed, according to Bruce Wright. Secretary Glenna Booth remarked that, “The sign really pops from the highway. It gets lots of attention and looks like it’s been there forever.” The Potter’s field sign has been moved to be consistent with known boundaries.
Increases in expenses and income
Treasurer Judy Holden said that $7,100 was billed to the city for maintenance items including fuel, electricity, and trash. Due to cost increases, a request for $10,000 from the city for next year for the same items was approved.
An additional $12,000 for wages has already been requested. The overall checking account balance stands at $23,408.37 as of Oct. 31, and there are five CDs totaling $100,000 in present value. There were 32 plots sold this year, and income for the year as of Nov. 9 is $32,507.93. The new sign was funded by donations.
Plots available
Stevens reiterated that Wright has been working with her on plot mapping, and that progress has been great. She added that there are plenty of available plots in the cemetery.
New duties for groundskeeper
New business included discussion about the legal intricacies of allowing the groundskeeper to take over, temporarily, as Sexton. Beatie said he was concerned that since the Sexton receives a 20 percent commission on plots sold, this could be a conflict of interest with the salaried position of groundskeeper.
Wright said that he doesn’t want to put in more than 40 hours in his dual roles combined and proposed that he simply be paid a salary as usual, with no commission, but with the additional Sexton duties attached on a temporary basis.
Commissioner L.B. Wilson expressed concern that there could be occasions when the groundskeeper might be asked to work over 40 hours to accommodate the needs of a bereaved family member. Stevens noted that such instances were rare. Helms agreed that he would not leave anyone in need stranded and would carry any hours over 40 to the following week.
Paying for Expenses
Wright mentioned that he is often required to use his own credit and debit cards to pay vendors who won’t extend credit, and he proposed that a credit card be issued. Holden explained that credit cards have presented a problem in the past and she would rather issue checks to be made out for such purchases.
A cap of $250 for purchases other than those already authorized, or in emergency situations, was passed.
Benches to be supplied
Wright noted that other cemeteries have places for families to sit. After debate, a motion for the purchase of four benches, for a total of $6,955 was passed.
The next meeting will be held Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m., at the Aud.