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Board's financial report shows small deficit; staff to study fee options
Summary
The executive director presented fiscal year 2023–24 figures showing a reserve of about $1.098 million but a net operating shortfall of $26,947; staff said they will review whether licensing or other fees should be adjusted and will brief the board and Government Operations committee if needed.
The Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers' executive director, Mr. Gribble, presented the board's fiscal-year 2023–24 financial summary at the Jan. 14 meeting, reporting a beginning balance of $1,125,184, net revenue of $736,166 and total expenditures of $763,113, leaving a reserve balance of $1,098,434.
Mr. Gribble told board members the board closed fiscal year 2023–24 with a deficit of $26,947. He said the department expects a core expense to be charged this fiscal year and that staff will monitor revenues and expenses closely. "The sky is not falling," Mr. Gribble said, but he recommended additional analysis and potential follow-up with the assistant commissioner's office before proposing any fee changes to members.
The presentation broke down payroll and operating costs, showing travel and state professional services among the larger expenditure lines. Mr. Gribble said civil-penalty (case and complaint) revenue for the past year was $17,641 — down from prior years — and noted the board does not budget for such irregular revenue streams. He also said an unusual number of inactive licensees chose not to renew this cycle, reducing expected revenue.
Board members asked staff about collection practices for consent orders and the cost of handling complaints; counsel described routine follow-up on outstanding payments and the tradeoffs between pursuing formal hearings and cost recovery. Several members suggested evaluating whether civil penalties and processing fees adequately cover the board's enforcement and administrative costs.
Mr. Gribble said staff will collect more data and return with concrete recommendations if fee changes or other budget actions are necessary. He also said the assistant commissioner may present the board's situation before the Government Operations committee; additional hearings would follow statutory rulemaking and public-notice requirements if the board pursues fee increases.
The board accepted the executive director's report by voice vote.
Key figures from Mr. Gribble’s presentation: - Beginning balance (July 1, 2023): $1,125,184 - Net revenue (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024): $736,166 - Total expenditures (same period): $763,113 - Reserve balance (July 1, 2024): $1,098,434 - Case and complaint revenue (FY 23–24): $17,641 - Fiscal-year net shortfall: $26,947
Board staff will return with further analysis and a recommendation if changes to renewal or licensing fees are warranted.
