Cemetery board seeks mapping, tree work and building funds; commissioners consider using perpetual-care interest

Cemetery board members presented a multi-item request to commissioners covering tree removal after storm damage, potential ground expansion, and a proposal to digitize cemetery records (GPS mapping). Board members said current paper maps are inaccurate in places and that digitizing could cost about $10,000 upfront, with continuing maintenance fees that appeared high for a volunteer-run nonprofit.

The board asked whether interest from the perpetual-care fund could be used for capital improvements. Staff reported roughly $13,517 in cash available in an operating line and approximately $3,500 in interest the prior fiscal year; commissioners discussed whether it would be prudent to transfer interest rather than principal. "There was approximately 3,500 in interest that came in just the last fiscal year," a staff member read when discussing options for using interest to increase the capital line toward the $20,000 target for a building.

Commissioners and board members also discussed smaller items: installing a shallow sand-point well near the flower garden for Memorial Day watering, additional millings for access roads, and removing dilapidated storage structures. The board asked staff to return with precise cost estimates and to confirm what transfers are allowable under county rules before any action on principal funds.