Board flags accounting questions, approves $40,785 transfer for burials

During the meeting the board voted to transfer $40,785 to cover burial-related expenses for an Oct. 14–Nov. 25 period; the motion was moved and seconded and the board carried the transfer.

A board member called for a review of the 2021 resolution that defines the board’s relationship with the city manager, saying the current arrangement had not produced the intended collaboration and urging the board to consider moving toward greater financial independence. The member said audit records included a 2011 $100,000 loan on the cemetery books and that the board had requested interest from a perpetual-care certificate of deposit in the amount of $5,497. The speaker said receipts and accounting entries for certain past transactions were not clearly documented and recommended the board work with the city manager’s office and benchmark other municipalities to resolve discrepancies.

Board members noted the city’s ongoing audit and that some invoices or transfers may not yet be reflected in the financial report; one member said that management appeared owed $12,740 against the transfer amount and that audit timing could explain the apparent shortfall. The board agreed to obtain a copy of the resolution and supporting memoranda and to follow up with staff and the audit team.

The vote to transfer funds passed; the board recorded its support for further review of the resolution and for clarifying the perpetual-care accounting.