Treasurer outlines city funds; council asked to reexamine Semperbon bequest and cemetery accounts

City Treasurer Carol (last name not listed) presented a comprehensive review of Barre City’s special funds to the council on Aug. 26, showing the totals, restricted balances and common uses of several long‑standing bequests and dedicated accounts.

Why it matters: The city steward several donor and restricted accounts that can be used for capital projects, maintenance and program support. Understanding which funds are restricted, which are discretionary and which generate recurring income helps the council set priorities and decide whether to redirect or actively deploy smaller balances for visible projects.

Key figures and funds (as presented): the treasurer reported a bike‑path account balance of $88,775.03 that is restricted for bike-path work; the council previously allocated about $1,100,000 from a Semperbon bequest toward bike-path efforts and an additional $500,000 had been assigned to cross-jurisdictional path work (the treasurer said roughly $600,000 remains in the larger bequest account but noted that allocation was made at council direction and could be revisited). The treasurer summarized overall available bequest and special-fund totals as about $6,691,451.57 (figure presented in the meeting materials). She also noted annual practice of transferring $25,000 from the cemetery general fund to the general fund to help operate cemetery services.

Cemetery funds and memorials: The treasurer reviewed multiple dedicated cemetery funds: perpetual care accounts, smaller memorial funds and a $66,065 figure (Russell funds) that currently have limited formal restrictions but have been earmarked for cemetery projects such as a proposed fountain at Hope Cemetery. The Italian‑American memorial fund holds about $31,000 for maintenance; the treasurer and the mayor discussed folding some small, under‑used pots into consolidated cemetery accounts so the city can manage upkeep more efficiently. The mayor asked Carol to pursue folding Saint Monica’s small trust account into the city cemetery fund because Saint Monica’s cemetery is city‑maintained.

Opioid settlement and other restricted accounts: The treasurer reported $85,000 or so in opioid‑settlement money (the council had approved a $20,000 allocation to Turning Point earlier on the consent agenda at this meeting). She noted opioid settlement funds have restricted allowable uses tied to opioid‑related response and prevention activities and recommended that groups seeking those funds first consult the treasurer’s office for eligibility guidance.

Council priorities and next steps: Councilors asked the treasurer to research whether some smaller restricted funds could be consolidated (while honoring donor intent), and to prepare options for an annual drawdown/granting approach from certain discretionary bequests such as the Semperbon annuity. The mayor and others asked that the city proceed cautiously so larger annuities remain perpetual while directing visible, strategic projects that could encourage future donors.

Taper: Treasurer Carol will follow up with the cemetery commission and research documentation on donor intent for specific memorial funds; councilors will consider a policy to guide use of discretionary bequests and potential annual grant cycles.