Council to appropriate cemetery grant; finance committee confirms $700,000 restricted to cemetery work

Finance committee members and councilors discussed a $700,000 funding allocation that committee members said was designated for cemetery work and cannot be used for other purposes.

At the finance meeting a member asked whether “700,000 of that is the money that we got for the cemetery,” and was told by staff that the $700,000 is indeed for the cemetery. Committee members discussed how the money has been used so far — removal of bushes and trees and emergency removal of a fallen tree — and said further work is planned, including seeding and sign work tied to recent paving.

At the full council meeting, members voted to adopt an amendment to the 2025 appropriations ordinance (Ordinance 2025-30). Council members also moved so that the fiscal officer could appropriate funds to finish work started at Boswell Cemetery; council discussion referenced that the grant money is restricted to cemetery uses. The ordinance was sponsored for consideration by council member Darla Reedy, the three-reading rule was suspended, and the ordinance was adopted by roll-call vote.

Council and committee members emphasized the restriction on the funds: one council member said, “it can only go to the cemetery.” In committee, members said they expect to spend most or all of the $700,000 on cemetery projects and anticipated receiving additional funds later.

Next steps recorded in the discussion include the fiscal officer proceeding with appropriation of the cemetery funds consistent with the ordinance and the use restrictions, and staff completing remaining cemetery work (tree and bush removal, seeding and signage) and reporting expenditures to finance and council.