DOWNEY - The Downey Cemetery District board of trustees Tuesday approved a $71,654 budget for fiscal year 2012-13.Most of the funding (about 85 percent) is for operations (water, electricity, landscaping, pest control, etc.), sundry materials and supplies (including this year's Memorial Day tribute), as well as miscellaneous services (professional and technical service fees, auditing services, debt service, and depreciation on the niches). Fifteen percent goes to personnel services (salaries of regular and part-time staff, and benefits contribution). Trustee David Gafin strongly suggested the city look into other possible sources of financing, such as grants), to augment its budget if upgrading of operations and facilities is desired. Meanwhile, preparations for this year's traditionally solemn Memorial Day tribute at the cemetery, with activity specialist Nathalie Mora spearheading the planning and coordination of the event, have practically been completed. All cemetery board trustees - chair Gary McCaughan (welcome remarks), vice-chair Diane Boggs (flag salute), and trustee Gafin (readings) - have prominent roles in the program, as well as American Legion Post 270, who will perform the cemetery ceremony, invocation, posting of the colors, wreath laying, and rifle salute. Sheila Jacobs will again sing the National Anthem and America the Beautiful, while trumpeters Charles Hargett, Dan O'Donnel and David Schirm will perform Taps. The Downey Cemetery is located at 9073 Gardendale St.

********** Published: May 03, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 03