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Council discusses cemetery upkeep, lot sales and perpetual care funding
Summary
At the May 14 budget workshop, Huntington officials discussed increasing cemetery lot sales, staffing and benefits allocations for cemetery maintenance, and potential minor capital work to clean up an area by the west cement fence.
Cemetery operations and perpetual‑care funding were discussed at Huntington’s May 14 budget workshop as council reviewed the general fund packet.
Council members suggested advertising cemetery lots for sale to increase revenue; one attendee repeatedly urged, "Put a sign out there for sale." Staff clarified cemetery line items in the packet: the cemetery wages line was cited around $42,000 and employee benefits around $33,000, reflecting that several employees (Janine, Scott, Robert and Jennifer) split cemetery duties and that benefits vary depending on position and full‑time status.
Why it matters: cemetery maintenance is funded through perpetual‑care and cemetery revenue lines; staffing and benefit allocations affect both the operating budget and the cemetery's ability to maintain grounds.
Other details: council discussed a dirt strip along the west side by a cement fence and considered putting ground‑cover rock or planting a low hedge to reduce weeds and maintenance; suggestions included using available local rock. There was also a passing note that the revenue/expense lines for perpetual care were shown at $10,000 in the packet.
What’s next: staff flagged the items for further consideration and said small clean‑up work (rock or ground cover) could be budgeted or scheduled as a minor capital/maintenance job.
