FAIRMONT–The Martin County Board of Commissioners held another work session on Wednesday to discuss the transfer request of Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont to control of the county. The request first came before the board in July.

At its meeting on Sept. 5, the board requested an outside audit of the Lakeside Cemetery Association’s books. On Wednesday the association’s president, Brad Buhmann, said he had provided the board with a year-end summary and recent financials which were presented during the association’s annual meeting earlier this week.

Buhmann stressed that they never know who will donate money or when so it’s hard to determine how much money they’ll be bringing in.

Commissioner Kathy Smith asked why the cost of ground maintenance was almost double from one year to the next.

“The cost of everything is going up. We’re kind of to the point where we’re starting to liquidate some equipment just to try to bring in cash to make sure we have enough,” Buhmann said.

Smith also asked about the difference in donations that came in in 2022 versus 2023. Paula Bulfer, secretary/treasurer of the association, said that one year they had sent out a donation letter, which had helped generate more funds.

“I’m looking to do another one. We’re waiting to find out…,” Bulfer said.

Buhmann added that they’re waiting to see whether or not the county accepts the transfer so they’re currently “between places.”

“We need to know one way or another what you guys are thinking or what your plans are,” Buhmann said.

Commissioner Elliot Belgard asked whether the association has considered requesting the transfer go to the city of Fairmont. Buhmann said as group they have decided not to ask the city of Fairmont for various reasons.

A big issue discussed was the amount of time it takes to mow the land. It was previously shared at a meeting that it could take 65 hours a week to mow, in addition to trimming and extra work ahead of funerals.

Commissioner Jaime Bleess brought up the possibility of having a student work at the cemetery through the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC)/ County summer internship program.

Belgard pointed out that they try to match up a student to their career choice. He said they usually don’t just assign students “slave labor” which is similar to what mowing the lawn would be.

Bleess pointed out that there is record keeping and genealogy that goes into it. He questioned whether they could tie in something between the cemetery and the Martin County Historical Society.

“I’m just brainstorming… It might be a good job prospect for a county employee for Kevin (Peyman, County Engineer) down the road,” Bleess said.

When the request first came to the board, it expressed concerns that it would receive other request to take over local cemeteries. On Wednesday Buhmann pointed out that townships have their own governance, as do churches. He said that Lakeside is unique as it’s privately owned.

“That does lessen the burden. Unfortunately, because of the size of this one.. it probably needs two or three full-time employees,” Belgard said.

He said while money is a big concern, there’s also a concern as to what would happen if the association dissolves and the cemetery becomes abandoned.

“Once it becomes abandoned, no one can be buried there, so grandma has to go somewhere else besides by grandpa. There’s a lot of people who have plots. It’s an emotional issue,” Belgard said.

Buhamnn said over 30 people have contacted them wondering what would happen if the county were to take over the cemetery. He said they’ve explained how the statute plays out and that if the county absorbs it, it needs to provide the same services and allow people who have a deed to be buried there.

A discussion about having the county subsidize the cemetery for several years to see if it can get in a better financial position was also held.

County Attorney Taylor McGowan said that the county is authorized to expend public funds to maintain cemeteries, even those not explicitly under its control.

“As far as subsidizing, it does seem possible,” McGowan said.

Belgard pointed out that the county is always regulated on what it can do with tax dollars. However, he said it opens a can of worms because if they start subsidizing one cemetery, they may get other similar requests.

The conversation then turned to how donations would work and what the association needed to get through right now.

“Are you asking for dollars for operating or dollars to help build your fund back up?” Smith asked.

Buhmann said they need funds for operating. He said if the county decides not to absorb the cemetery this year, maybe it could assist financially as it does for other 501(c)(3) groups such as 4H and Kinship.

“Our problem is we don’t know how much money comes in every month. We’re not a normal business. It all depends on how many people pass away and how much money is donated to us so it’s very hard to budget or attract new employees if we don’t know how much money we have,” Buhmann said.

Bulfer added that the county can offer benefits to employees, which is something the association can’t.

“I have the perfect person who can come in and replace me, but he needs benefits and that’s something we can’t offer,” she said.

Belgard said the personnel committee estimates a full-time employee with benefits at roughly $100,000 annually.

While it was a work session, no decisions could be made, though Belgard said if he had to vote on Wednesday he wouldn’t vote to take over the cemetery. Smith agreed with that but said she wanted to look for a way to help the association.

Belgard pointed out that the budget for next year was already done and that it originally included money for the cemetery but was removed to lower the levy.

“Our preliminary levy is already set,” he said.

The board suggested more fundraising efforts the association can launch in order to help it get back in a comfortable position.

“We’re not looking for you guys to give us money just so we can look at it in the bank. We need this cash to stay afloat,” Buhmann said.

The matter of whether or not to accept the transfer request will go on the board’s next meeting agenda for Oct. 17.