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Benkelman Cemetery board asks Dundy County to consider taking over groundskeeping
Summary
The Benkelman Cemetery Board told commissioners it lacks funds to hire a replacement sexton after a longtime caretaker retires; the board reported roughly $14,000 in annual tax income and $4,104.44 in insurance costs and asked the county to consider assuming groundskeeping duties.
The Benkelman Cemetery Board asked Dundy County commissioners on May 18 to consider taking responsibility for groundskeeping after the cemetery's longtime sexton, Bob Willis, steps down at the end of May.
The board told commissioners that current annual tax income for the cemetery is about $14,000 while insurance costs last year totaled $4,104.44. That revenue, the board said, leaves insufficient funds to properly compensate a sexton despite recent increases in plot prices.
Board members described the immediate problem as staffing for routine maintenance once Willis, who has performed the duties for 32 years, retires. They requested that the county evaluate whether taking over groundskeeping would improve prospects for hiring and maintaining upkeep.
Chairman Sye Tecker said he would review the cemetery's budgeting information and asked that the matter be placed back on the agenda at the next meeting for further consideration. No formal action was taken; commissioners did not commit to assuming maintenance at this meeting.
The issue is scheduled to return to the board's June 1 meeting for follow-up after the county's review of budget details.
