Peg Adamson reported to council Nov. 14 as superintendent of the Eureka Springs Cemetery, and said her commission has only four commissioners, thus three vacancies. She said they have two part-time groundskeepers at the cemetery, and the commission is sifting through records to identify available plots.
Alderman Bob Thomas spoke as secretary/treasurer of the Cemetery Commission. He said the cemetery gets funding four ways: the city pays for a groundskeeper (which has become two part-time positions); there is income from the sale of plots, which this year projects to be just less than $8,000; there is interest from a trust account, which this year will amount to $807; and donations, which through the end of September equaled $507.
Thomas said because of the paucity of funds, they can afford only grass-cutting and absolute essentials. Maintenance has sat undone over the years, and the catching up on cemetery needs will require money. “I don’t support the city growing its budget except for the cemetery,” he said, asking for an extra $4500 in 2017.
Thomas pointed out Public Works is getting a new building at a cost of maybe $250,000 while the maintenance shed at the cemetery has a dirt floor.
Alderman David Mitchell agreed that council should provide budgetary relief for the cemetery.
Alderman Kristi Kendrick stated residents in Berryville can voluntarily contribute a small millage amount to the cemetery fund on their property tax bill, and Mayor Butch Berry said it was possible the same plan could work in Eureka Springs. Thomas said he would again look into the voluntary tax concept, but in the meantime, he asked council to please consider the cemetery at budget time.
Thomas did announce that Grace Gladden Nance had donated funds necessary to repair the cemetery fountain.