Board approves $13,990 cemetery records software to digitize historic paper files

The Elkhart Board of Public Works approved a $13,990.70 contract with Proposed Cemetery Solutions for cemetery records software to digitize paper card records and integrate with the city's mapping systems.

Sunita Millsaps, cemetery superintendent, told the board that current records remain largely on paper and cards and that digitization will proceed over the next year using staff time during slower winter months. "All of our records are currently still on paper and cards. It's very scary," Millsaps said. She explained the cemetery will scan newer records directly into the software and may require extra help for older books (Graceland records dating to 1800) if necessary.

The board voted to approve the contract and asked staff and IT/GIS to coordinate implementation and data migration. Millsaps said the work will improve record-keeping and mapping for the city's cemeteries.