During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing challenges related to cemetery maintenance, staffing shortages, and financial management within the city.

The meeting highlighted the city's efforts to restore gravestones, particularly in Park Street and West Farms cemeteries. Officials noted that the restoration process is costly, with each gravestone repair averaging around $3,000. Despite the limited budget of $25,000 allocated for this purpose, the city is unable to address all the restoration needs, which could total hundreds of thousands of dollars. Historian Martha Lyon has been contracted to prioritize the restoration of gravestones, with work expected to commence in the spring due to temperature constraints.

Staffing issues were also a significant concern, as the parks department is currently short eight seasonal workers, having only two out of the ten positions filled. This shortage has been attributed to competitive job markets, with recent resignations due to better-paying opportunities elsewhere.

Financial discussions included the management of water and sewer billing processes. Officials explained that unpaid bills are turned over to the collector's office and subsequently liened onto properties. The meeting also addressed the city's financial health, with a focus on the free cash number, which includes $5.2 million from the general fund and an additional $900,000 expected to remain unspent.

The water enterprise fund was another focal point, with a reported unexpected revenue of $1.1 million anticipated due to Coca Cola's departure. Officials indicated that this revenue would remain within the enterprise fund and be assessed for future needs, including potential capital expenses.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's ongoing financial management challenges, the impact of staffing shortages on service delivery, and the need for strategic planning to address both immediate and long-term needs in cemetery maintenance and public works.