[HistoricCemeterieslistserv] Administrative feeplan or procedure

[Historic Cemeteries]

Diane,

Thanks for taking the time. Of interest is what you said about cemeteries in your county receiving money from county taxes. I know there is a gentleman in the Portland area that has been trying to get legislature to have counties impose a county tax and remit it to the cemeteries. How was it done in your county

I agree with your analysis that a cemetery needs rules. I believe they should include whether a vault is required, administrative fee, how many can be interred in a grave space , etc. then this list needs to be sent to each funeral establishment with a written request that the administrative fee be collected and sent to the cemetery. I realize they can refuse. 

What I was hoping to get was a list from other cemeteries of their rules, add them to mine.  I'm working on a process to put in place for getting payment from the funeral establishment. There is a turnover in our area so I get the same questions

Ernie

Sent from Ernie's iPhone

> On Mar 19, 2014, at 10:17 AM, Historic Cemeteries <historiccemeteries at listsmart.osl.state.or.us> wrote:
> 
> Ernie, I do not think there is lack of interest..perhaps just wondering exactly how to respond in a written format.
> 
> Several of the cemeteries in our County are county owned...we pay taxes to support the cemetery's.  The plots are sold, and at the time of burial...be that the plot(s) were purchased years and years ago or just before the burial, there is an additional fee for opening and closing the grave.  A portion of that fee is paid to the grave digger.  There are summer employees, plus a secretary and another employee that is part time year around.
> 
> Each county and cemetery is different from another and you just have to make a list of what you want, what you do not want and include in each side the feasibility cost wise of each 'rule'.
> 
> I believe each cemetery needs a written set of rules and regulations.  What is included in forever care of the cemetery and who owns the land?  Will the soil be watered or is it reasonable to even water for a green grass lawn? Some cemeteries are natural and totally beautiful, but need weed control--i.e.---be it cut or sprayed.  The soil is the key element here plus the availability of cost effective water and watering systems.  Who takes care of a toppling stone?  Who repairs the fencing?  Gates?
> 
> As Kuri previously stated, be very careful using the word 'perpetual' in the care of the cemetery.
> 
> Diane
> 
> 
> -----Original Message----- From: Historic Cemeteries
> Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 8:10 AM
> To: historiccemeteries at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
> Subject: Re: [HistoricCemeterieslistserv] Administrative feeplan or procedure
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I'm somewhat surprised of the lack of responses to a request of information regarding administrative fees. I'm  very grateful of the two responses received giving worthy advice. Is there a lack of interest from those directly/indirectly involved with cemetery's?
> 
> Take care,
> 
> Ernie
> 
> Sent from Ernie's iPhone
> 
>> On Mar 17, 2014, at 7:15 AM, Historic Cemeteries <historiccemeteries at listsmart.osl.state.or.us> wrote:
>> 
>> I'll pipe in here. Br careful in using the term perpetual care. That is a specific legal term and relates to perpetual care funds which have very specific and cumbersome requirements. You might check in with the Cemetery Association of Oregon, they are in the know about operating cemeteries and are super helpful.
>> 
>> 
>> Kuri
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: HistoricCemeteries [mailto:historiccemeteries-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Historic Cemeteries
>> Sent: Monday, March 17, 2014 2:19 AM
>> To: historiccemeteries at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
>> Subject: Re: [HistoricCemeterieslistserv] Administrative fee plan or procedure
>> 
>> Perpetual care is usually included in opening and closing cost. A portion is set aside for upkeep and care of the cemetery.
>> 
>> There are restrictions and rules on use of perpetual care funds. Each state has regulations covering this.
>> 
>> Texas requires mansoleum if perpetual care fee is charged.
>> 
>> David Samuelsen
>> 
>>> On 3/16/2014 7:34 PM, Historic Cemeteries wrote:
>>> When does one pay for perpetual care?  What is it?  How is it
>>> different from the open and closing cost and prices of each?  I'm
>>> learning with your help and thanks for taking your Sunday to help me
> 
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