Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Oakwood Cemetery Board of Regents approved the cemetery’s 2027 budgets Thursday.
The total regular proposed budget amount for 2027 is $985,894, up 4.2% from 2026, which was $945,912.
Salaries and wages are proposed at $509,722. Employee benefits is $228,257; supplies, $63,500; other services and charges, $8,340; insurance, $30,000; utility services, $18,925; repairs and maintenance, $20,500; rentals, $8,600; other services and charges, $5,050 and capital outlays is $93,000.
The 2027 cemetery permanent budget is $170,000, up 17% from 2026, which was $145,000.
Sexton Hal Heagy will present the budgets to the Warsaw Common Council Monday, Aug. 17.
Earlier in the meeting, Heagy said the historic walk in June went well.
He thought the attendees were entertained and the actors were very good. It was well organized and the display in the chapel “was really cool.” An estimated 175 people attended the walk.
Heagy said the walk could have probably used at least one more golf cart.
In other business, the board:
• Heard two appraisals for Tom Kinch’s property.
Heagy said Kinch will retain ownership of part of the property, including the house and part of the pond. Heagy said Kinch wants to stay in the house the rest of his life and Heagy doesn’t see why the cemetery staff can’t help with that. Cemetery staff currently help maintain the property and probably keep that up.
Heagy said the next step for him is to meet with city attorney Scott Reust to make sure everything is legal.
• Heard the Paron Farm acreage is ready for asphalt.
• Was introduced to Danielle Morris, the cemetery’s new administrative assistant.
• Heard the cemetery donated about 138 pounds of produce this year to The Salvation Army from the cemetery’s vegetable and fruit garden.
