Galesburg City Council approved a funding agreement to expend $10,000 annually for the next decade for Hope Cemetery.
The vote was 6-1, with Ward 4 Alderman Dwight White opposed.
Originally administration proposed only a three-year term of funding.
Wayne Dennis made a motion to change the terms from 3 years to 10 years, which was approved by a 5-2 vote.
Interim City Manager John Schlaf says staff recommended 3 years so it could come back to the council after that term, so they could decide whether to increase the funding or eliminate it altogether.
Alderman White was critical of a 10-year term of funding, saying there are a lot of other entities that need funds, some that create revenue.
Acerra pointed out that if the Council wanted to increase funding before the end of 10 years, they would be able to do that.
Member of the Hope Cemetery Foundation, Harry Bulkley and Jack Templeton came before the Council during public comment on Nov. 6 to request the funding.
Templeton says that annual upkeep expenses for Hope run $14,000-$16,000 with a trust that generates $6,000- $8,000.