Brenton M. Smith

The joint business meeting commenced after establishing a quorum and setting the agenda. Key business included the approval of the amended minutes from the October 08, 2024, joint business meeting. Old business involved the introduction of two newly hired Licensing/Regulatory Compliance Field Officers and one new Accounting Technician. The Executive Director presented comprehensive financial reports for the 4th quarter of fiscal year 2025 and the entirety of fiscal year 2025, alongside preliminary fiscal year 2026 totals, license counts, inspection data, and preneed report metrics. Following the financial review, the board unanimously voted to deposit 7% of the previous fiscal year's total revenue into the property acquisition fund, amounting to $48,932.99. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss pending and imminent litigation, after which the business meeting adjourned.

The meeting began with a pre-meeting session accepting nominations for the Funeral Division (Districts 3, 4, 6, and 7) and Preneed Division (Seats 1 and 2) board positions, whose terms expire on December 31, 2025. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation, the board set the agenda. Key business included the approval of the July 16, 2025, board meeting minutes. The board unanimously approved the licensing of numerous new funeral directors, embalmers, or cremationists, and also approved the reactivation of apprenticeship and permanent licenses for specified individuals. An establishment license was approved for Decatur Brown Service Funeral Home, LLC. The board accepted the voluntary closure of Corbitt Funeral Home, contingent upon the preneed division's approval for the change of ownership of the preneed license. Statistics regarding licensure exams for July through September 2025 were reviewed. The board approved amended consent agreements detailing payment schedules for fines related to two violation cases. Finally, the board approved 42.5 hours of continuing education courses.

The meeting addressed several business items following the setting of the agenda. Key discussions involved the approval of licenses and registrations for numerous Preneed Sales Agents and two entities for a Certificate of Authority. The board also approved a transfer of ownership for one Certificate of Authority. Furthermore, a funding agreement was approved for Decatur Brown Service to obtain a certificate of authority license contingent upon future financial statements. The board accepted supplemental equity entries to approve the renewal of 14 certificate of authority licenses with equity deficits. Additionally, the board ratified cease and desist letters issued to entities that failed to renew their certificates of authority, and ratified two consent agreements related to application misstatements and untimely reporting. In legislation, the board voted to certify amendments to Administrative Rules concerning Cemetery Property Sales Logs after the public comment period concluded.

The meeting addressed several key areas including the qualifications for the Licensing/Regulatory Compliance Field Officer position, hiring an Administrative Support Assistant, and the purchase of an agency vehicle along with interior lighting upgrades. The board also reviewed the Executive Director's financial report, discussed the restructuring of preneed business, and explored alternative options for the licensing system. Updates were provided on The International Conference Annual Meeting, current legislative session bills, and pending litigation, leading to an executive session. Additionally, the board addressed a change in the board meeting date.

The meeting included the approval of new licenses and reactivations for funeral directors, embalmers, and cremationists, as well as the consideration of establishments for licensure. A request to waive the laws, rules, and regulations exam for license reactivation was denied. The board also reviewed exam statistics, consent agreements, letters of reprimand, and continuing education course requests. Discussions were held regarding potential legislation to address funding for the preneed division and the regulation of transport services.