Concerns about Carneiro Township Dear Editor, I was invited to attend the Carneiro Township budget meeting this evening. It was a revelation.

I never spoke, however, I did record the proceedings. It was a meeting to approve the budget. That did not happen.

Mr. Kelly Cikanek reviewed the high-level income amounts, and that the mill levy had increased slightly, but did not state how money would be allocated for line-item expenditures.

A constituent, Gretchen Griffith-Hughes, asked about the line-item detail portion of the budget, which brought forth a blank stare from Mr. Cikanek. In question was a particular line item for the cemetery, which had been listed in the prior budget and has since been removed.

In response to the cemetery line item missing from the proposed line-item detail of the budget, Mr. Cikanek claimed he has no say over how the line items are calculated as that is done by the county clerk.

The constituent requested the line item for the cemetery be added back in as its own line, as well as multiple items for the cemetery that Gretchen felt needed funding, like a formal survey to assure adherence to Kansas statutes regarding size of plots, monies to create deeds for properties already sold and mowing or other maintenance items as needed for the cemetery. No discussion by the board members present occurred with regards to the request for adding money via a line item for the cemetery.

In prior budget meetings, paperwork was handed out to those present for comment on the line-item expenses. We were given nothing, and when it was requested to view the line items, the clerk said we could not until reminded that it would be a KORA violation. The offer to photograph the document was given and Gretchen did take the photograph right after the offer.

To conclude the meeting, Mr. Cikanek’s response was “we are done.” He gathered his papers and ended the meeting before the budget was voted on and approved and that was so wrong on so many levels. The reason for the meeting was never finished since he walked out.

I hope something happens soon, as I want my deeds. I want a place for my son to be buried with his mom and two brothers. My request for the deeds in my name would ensure he has his rightful spot.

I’ve yet to tell my son, Gene, that he might not get to be with his family, and I’m considering buying a headstone and having it placed in the cemetery next to where my husband and I are to be buried. The deeds going into a trust ensures that which is right is done right.

Thank you kindly for allowing me to bring to the attention of the entire township and the public.

Sincerely, Mary L. Schmidt Ellsworth