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Advisory board flags low lot prices and funding gap after Q1 report
Summary
Board members questioned whether historically low lot prices and non-dedicated revenue risk a future funding shortfall; staff said fees were adjusted this year and directed follow-up to finance for legal/structural questions.
The advisory cemetery board on May 1 reviewed its first-quarter financial report and heard concerns that longstanding low lot prices and reliance on the city’s general fund could leave cemetery operations underfunded in the future.
A staff presenter walked the board through the Q1 spreadsheet, pointing out revenue, expenses and total activity columns and noting budget-versus-actual comparisons. The presenter said staff would answer detailed follow-up questions if board members sent them to Sherry’s office.
A board member asked about the price of a single lot. The presenter said they did not have the full fee schedule on hand; the transcript lists a lot fee as “$1,50,” and the presenter added that, historically, the price had ranged from about $850 to $950 and that “ever since I’ve been here for the last four years, it’s only been 950 for a lot.” The board member said, “It just seems to me that price is extraordinarily low,” and urged the board to plan for long-term care costs.
Staff said the board follows an annual fee-adjustment process and that some fees were increased this year after surveying comparable local cemeteries. The presenter cautioned against dramatic, sudden increases and said adjustments are typically phased; the board was told fee levels would be revisited at the June budget review.
Board members pressed on whether cemetery revenue is dedicated for long-term cemetery care. Staff said all revenue feeds the city’s general fund and operational budget; it is not automatically placed into a cemetery-specific endowment or trust. When asked about the legal mechanics of creating a dedicated fund, staff recommended consulting the city’s accounting department for legal and procedural requirements.
The adopted budget anticipates $133,000 in cemetery revenue for the year; staff reported $25,350 earned so far in Q1 and described income as seasonal. Board members noted that as lots are sold and more burials occur, long-term care costs will grow and recommended the city consider mechanisms to set aside funds for future maintenance.
The board approved the minutes and proceeded to other agenda items. The board directed staff to provide fee schedules and to follow up with finance on the feasibility and legal steps for establishing a dedicated cemetery fund.
