Resident asks Lake Wales to authorize $200,000 for cemetery staffing and repairs

Jason Wade addressed the commission during the budget public hearing and asked the City of Lake Wales to authorize a not-to-exceed first-year amount of $200,000 from Cemetery Fund reserves to address staffing and maintenance at Lake Wales'area cemeteries.

"I'm requesting a not to exceed first year authorization of $200,000 from the Cemetery Fund reserves," Wade said, asking the city to fund two full-time employees, a professional condition assessment, contracted deep cleaning and a verified photographic inventory and map. Commissioners and staff responded that Wade's proposal was a citizen request not included in the proposed budget; they explained the commission may approve a mid-year budget amendment and that staff would review the cemetery operations and return with options.

Commission discussion clarified that budget amendments can be processed during the year and must be completed before the statutory Nov. 30 date, and several commissioners asked staff to study cemetery capacity and maintenance needs.