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Washburn Life board reappoints members and approves 2026 budget amid projected shortfall
Summary
Washburn Life approved a 2026 budget that relies on reserves and outside funding, accepted a resignation, filled a vacancy, reappointed three members and heard a public appeal to support a cemetery endowment and plans for summer events.
The Washburn Life board on Jan. 13 approved a 2026 budget that projects the nonprofit will draw on reserves unless it secures additional revenue or reduces expenses.
President Donna Summer opened the noon meeting and guided the board through routine business, including approval of Oct. 14 minutes and the financial report. The board accepted a resignation from Savannah Titan and appointed Lisa Guzewell to fill a vacant seat; Summer also reported the board reappointed Rhonda Johnson, Mark Lehi and Richard Perkurevich to new three‑year terms.
Treasurer (identified in the meeting as Washburn Life treasurer and an employee of True Community Bank) presented figures the board discussed at length: Washburn Life recorded roughly $40,800 in revenue in 2025 and spent about $74,000, producing an operating gap of roughly $33,000 for the year. Using 2026 assumptions the draft budget showed an estimated shortfall of about $18,007.50. Summer said the board can either cut expenses, reduce grant award sizes (she proposed reducing individual grant awards from $10,000 to $5,000 to spread funds across more recipients), or pursue more outside funding from the city, the American Legion or additional fundraising such as the golf tournament.
Lisa Guzewell moved to approve the budget as presented; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Board members acknowledged the plan depends on using some reserve funds and on future appeals to outside funders.
Members also discussed marketing and events. Summer said the board had applied to the city for lodging‑tax funds to replace billboard signs on Highway 83 and proposed reapplying after the request stalled previously. Leader News offered to design and print replacement banners locally. The board discussed the “Light Up Washburn” program and reported about $4,000 remains committed to that program; members debated whether to buy more-commercial, vandal‑resistant fixtures or continue replacing inexpensive strings as needed.
Rhonda Johnson reviewed recent community events — including Candy Caravan, a vendor show and Santa Day — and outlined plans for Taste of Washburn on April 11, suggesting a possible time change to 4:30–6:30 p.m. The board also discussed forming a committee and a modest promotional budget to publicize an Aug. 1 memorial for Clint Hill and Riverboat Days in June; members raised options including museum displays, targeted online ads, QR codes linking to short videos and outreach to tourism partners.
During the open floor, a local resident who was introduced to the board as Dewey (the transcript includes two surname variants, introduced as “Dewey Oster” and later self‑identified as “Dewey Holster”) described establishing an endowment for the town cemetery, confirmed that the Cemetery Association holds the deed and has 501(c)(3) status, and asked Washburn Life to help publicize donation channels and a newly produced rack card. Board members asked clarifying questions about ownership and tax‑deductible giving and offered to help with advertising.
The meeting also confirmed membership levels for 2026 (individual $25; business tiers $150 and higher; nonprofit category noted as free) and elected or affirmed executive officers: Donna Summer as president, Ashley Ladyser as vice president and the incumbent treasurer remaining in place.
The board adjourned and set its next meeting for Feb. 10.
