Carey council talks cemetery costs

CAREY — Carey Village Council discussed increasing the prices of burial and cemetery services at Spring Grove Cemetery at its meeting Tuesday. It was recently discovered that the village had been losing approximately $19,000 a year and was not able to keep a balance between the cemetery's upkeep costs and income. "It doesn't have to be a money maker, but I think we at least have to break even at some point," village Administrator Mike Roszman told council. Roszman estimated the village had lost almost $97,000 in the last five years on the care and maintenance of Spring Grove cemetery alone. Though the costs of funeral and burial services are currently much cheaper than at nearby St. Mary's Catholic cemetery, Mayor Chad Kin said that not breaking even to the point of losing thousands of dollars a year is not a sustainable way to run the cemetery. After considering options for a price increase, Roszman promised to create a cost benefit analysis before the village would make final decisions. In other news, council member Ted Reinhart told council he would be resigning, saying he had made a decision to move out of village limits and was no longer eligible to sit on council. Kin reminded residents the successful applicant would only hold the open seat until the end of 2025 and would have to be elected to continue a term into 2026. Interested applicants can send resumes to Roszman or village fiscal officer Natasha Hatfield until 4 p.m. March 3. Council also heard an update from Roszman about the upcoming and ongoing inclusive playground project, with equipment set to be installed April 4. Approximately 25-30 volunteers will be needed to assist with the installation. Later, council reviewed the following legislation: The first reading of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract for the lease and purchase of a rescue pumper.The second reading of an ordinance setting permanent appropriations for expenses and other expenditures for fiscal year 2025.A resolution of the village of Carey accepting the gift of real estate from Vaughn Property Services. A resolution approving the village of Carey fiscal officer's certification of certain then and now purchase orders exceeding the amount of $3,000 each. The next Carey Village Council meeting is 7 p.m. March 3 at the Carey Fire Department.