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Thomaston cemetery trustees vote to establish $1,000 annual reserve amid revenue shortfall
Summary
At their Jan. 23 budget meeting, Thomaston Village Cemetery trustees approved creating a $1,000 annual reserve (plus year-end surplus) to begin building a fund as revenues run below typical levels; the measure passed 6–0 and will go to a Town vote.
Thomaston Village Cemetery trustees voted Jan. 23 to set up an annual $1,000 reserve account and to deposit any excess funds at the end of the fiscal year into that account, a step trustees said is intended to shore up cemetery finances as revenues lag.
During a budget review with Kara and Jodell, trustees were told the Cemetery Trust allows spending up to 4.5% of a five-year rolling average of $535,000 — about $24,000 per year. At the Jan. 23 meeting, trustees were told available revenue was thin: roughly $4,000 on hand with another approximately $12,000 possible if spring revenues materialize. Kara recommended beginning a reserve by setting aside $1,000 each year and adding any year-end surplus; the plan will be submitted to the Town for voter approval.
Rod Grindell moved the reserve measure and Sue Christensen seconded; the motion carried 6–0. Trustees were reminded that budgeted expenditures must be submitted before the end of the fiscal year in June.
Sexton Pete Lammert reported two burial reservations for the coming spring, an operational note for planning and cash-flow timing. The trustees set their next meeting for Feb. 20, 2025.
The reserve proposal will go to Town voters as described at the meeting; trustees did not adopt a final reserve policy at this session beyond the annual $1,000 set‑aside and the plan to place leftover funds into the account.
