(Atlantic) Rod Deter, representing the Atlantic Cemetery Board of Directors, appeared before the Atlantic City Council to provide an update on the cemetery’s operations, finances, and future needs. The Atlantic Cemetery receives an annual $30,000 subsidy from the City, funded through a budgeted appropriation from the Local Option Sales Tax Progress Fund.
Deter said personnel costs are the cemetery’s most significant expense, totaling approximately $64,000. A full-time employee earns $20 per hour, while a full-time summer employee earns $19 per hour. He noted that the cemetery’s primary source of revenue comes from opening and closing graves.
Deter reported that the cemetery generated a net gain of about $11,000. However, without the City’s financial support, the graveyard would have posted a $18,000 loss. He added that the facility needs upgrades, particularly in tree maintenance and equipment replacement.
Looking ahead, Deter outlined several ongoing challenges, including difficulties in hiring summer help, maintaining aging equipment, and repairing bent flagpoles and roadways.
Deter also noted the cemetery currently has approximately 11,000 burials. In 2020, the cemetery sold ten plots and conducted 50 burials, split between cremations and full-body burials. He added that 3,600 plots remain available and said the board is seeking two individuals to fill vacant seats.
