The 2 Rivers City Council voted to cover the full cost of cemetery perpetual‑care flower plantings for 2026, approving roughly $6,000 after an extended public comment period in which multiple residents said families had paid for “perpetual” planting and expected the city to honor that commitment. The council’s action pairs $2,700 in property‑tax support with roughly $3,300 the city expects to be raised through an initial community crowdfunding effort.

Residents pressed the council for action. ‘‘Vote to fully fund the perpetual flowers this year, honor the commitment made to families,’’ said a resident who warned that crowdfunding would not reliably replace the city’s pledge. Council members debated records, receipts and how many gravesites the program covers; staff said they maintain a list of recipients but do not hold complete historical receipts for every purchase.

Council discussion focused on both the immediate shortfall and a transition plan. Parks staff reported $1,700 already pledged in donations and said they could identify roughly $3,300 within departmental line items to cover the remainder so the plantings can proceed on schedule. One councilmember argued the city should fully fund the program for 2026 and then taper support as residents organize a citizens’ group to manage the program going forward.

The motion, to provide the approximately $6,000 needed for 2026 planting and to encourage a citizen‑led fundraising group for future years, passed by roll call. Council members noted they had ordered flowers with lead times and that delaying the decision would have disrupted planting plans.

The action is intended as a transition: staff will assist with outreach and initial fundraising, and the city expects interested residents to organize a permanent mechanism to finance the program beginning in 2027. Council members said they prefer that residents grow a designated fund so the city can reduce or end direct general‑fund support after the transition year.

Next steps: staff will publish the list of recipients and outreach details and will work with volunteers on a fundraising plan. The council did not adopt a permanent policy change at the meeting; it approved one final year of city support while the community organizes.