(8/28 – Clarifies rates on burials and inurnments. Previous information was not correct)

The City of Atlantic’s Personnel and Finance Committee will discuss matters pertaining to the solvency of the Atlantic Cemetery, Monday. The meeting takes place in the City Council’s Chambers at City Hall, beginning at 5:30-p.m.

In his report to the Committee and Council, City Administrator John Lund stated “The Atlantic Cemetery Association is rapidly approaching financial insolvency…due to a seven-year trend of revenues not meeting expectations.” In order to resolve the immediate cash flow issue, Lund says a letter must be written to the Iowa Insurance Commissioner requesting he use his authority under Iowa Code (5231.811A), to allow for the release of funds from the Perpetual Care Trust (as determined by the Board and Treasurer), reflecting long-term planning goals.

The Atlantic Cemetery Association has previously taken the recommendation to raise casket interment and burial rates and put them into effect on April 1^st.  The casket interment rate was raised to $825 and the burial rate was raised to $1,250 effective April 1^st by the cemetery association.

The only other options for increasing revenue, he says, are taking out a loan and decreasing expenditures. Lund says a loan would not solve the long-term problem, and a quick infusion of cash from the Perpetual Trust Fund will only buy the Cemetery Association a little more time to continue honoring its obligations.

Lund says expenditures have exceeded revenue for the past three years, with the largest loss ($26,774) coming in 2016. The majority of expenditures are in the form of: Payroll; Capital Equipment purchases; Supplies and Repair for the equipment, all of which are necessary for maintaining the cemetery grounds, and arranging for burials. Methods of offsetting those costs could include reducing payroll as much as possible, and contracting with local businesses to manage all burials, openings and closures.

In other business, the Personnel & Finance Committee will discuss: The disposition of a structure at 204 E. 6th Street; A policy on replacing certain signage within  the City Limits; A request from the Street Dept. to purchase additional equipment with available funds; and Construction Fees and Easements with regard to the Ash Street Development Project. The Committee will also hear about a major donation to the Animal Shelter, and receive an update on the purchase of land from a revocable trust.