ESTACADA CEMETERY MAINTENANCE DISTRICT MINUTES

BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

ESTACADA FUNERAL CHAPEL

May 19, 2004 - 7:00 pm

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

2. ROLL CALL

Present: John McAdoo, George Suter, John White (via speakerphone), Bob Akins, Jerry Griggs (arrived at 7:10 pm), BO Traci Hovda.

Absent: Leroy Layton, Gary Ames.

3. OPEN NOMINATIONS FOR BUDGET COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

John McAdoo nominated George Suter for Budget Committee Chairperson. Bob Akins seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

4. OPEN NOMINATIONS FOR VICE CHAIRPERSON & SECRETARY

George Suter nominated Bob Akins for Vice Chairperson & Secretary. John McAdoo seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

5. PRESENTATION OF BUDGET MESSAGE - B.O. Hovda

BO Hovda presented the budget message and reviewed the proposed budget.

6. DISCUSSION

The Board discussed the mower needs and options. Jerry stated that the District has looked at a couple of mowers, prices ranging from $10,500 - $13,000. John McAdoo asked if reducing the repairs and maintenance line item. Jerry said that if we get a new mower it should not be a problem.

The Committee discussed the change in insurance for the Sexton. Jerry stated that he is ok with the change because he wants to help save the District money. John McAdoo said that all agencies are having to make changes in health care because of the sky rocketing rates. Most agencies require the employee to pay a portion of the premium. The Committee also discussed the salary for the Sexton. The proposed budget includes a 3% increase in pay for the Sexton. The Committee wishes they could afford to give more of an increase because they feel like Jerry does an excellent job for the District, but since funds are so limited, they agreed that 3% is all they could afford. Jerry stated that he appreciates the 3% and would not have been upset if there wasn’t any increase this year.

The Board also discussed the November election. They feel that the District must again try for a temporary operating levy to replace deteriorating equipment and to provide for the long term operations of the District. They do not feel the District can continue to operate on it’s 1964 tax base and an increase is absolutely necessary. John McAdoo moved to budget an additional $3,500 for elections to cover the cost of the November election and to reduce contingency by this same amount. John White seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The Committee discussed the many ways that it needs to get the word out about the election and the needs of the District. Each member will speak at any community events that they can, signs will be made, and letters to the editor are needed.

George Suter stated he would like to see a sign in each cemetery on Memorial Day. Bob Akins stated that the Board has been working on getting a person to be in each cemetery personally on Memorial Day to explain the needs to visitors and to hand out letters. Bob will continue to work on getting volunteers for each cemetery.

John McAdoo moved to establish and approve the tax rate of 5.92 cents for the Estacada Cemetery Maintenance District. George Suter seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

George Suter moved to approve the entire 2004-2005 Estacada Cemetery Maintenance District budget of $94,105.89. Bob Akins seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

7. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.