Springdale Cemetery is looking for a new general manager. Peoria Public Radio’s Alex Rusciano reports the Cemetery Management Authority voted to terminate its contract with Jon Austin:
Austin took the helm of the historic burial ground three years ago. The cash-strapped cemetery has struggled with ways to find more revenue and expand its community outreach. Cemetery Authority chair Bob Manning says Austin has been very professional, but did not make significant progress on his annual goals. He says a strong financial and marketing background are some of the qualities the board wants to see as it begins its search for the next general manager:
“We are looking for a superman or superwoman, maybe that’s a tall order, but we think Springdale deserves it, and certainly the taxpayers, because at the end of the day this is not a private cemetery, this is a public asset and the taxpayers fund our operation so we’re very conscious we need to be good stewards of the taxpayers money,” Manning says.
Manning says Austin knew a month ago of the board’s intentions and he also helped make a smooth transition in his exit. Manning says existing employees will run Springdale while the board forms a search committee to find a permanent replacement.