If you don't try...
- Thread starter Shawn Seeger
- Start date
As I’m learning, getting rule changes done at WDFW is no small feat. Well done and congrats on the election!
SF
SF
@Vagabond
Thanks
There are currently 113 Cemetery Districts in Washington, Lewis County has 10 (Mineral was last added). Mineral had been in existence since the late 1890's, and or cemetery had been, we have recorded burials as far back as 1901 and several markets listing death in 1896. So we are a historic Cemetery. We still have people being buried, about 1 or 2 a month (as we are an aging community!), and we still have plots for sale.
As for what we commissioners do, we meet monthly to review and resolve any issues, review our budget, address preservation of the cemetery, work with community members and the Lion's Club on activities like holiday and military days and restoring building's and signage. Since we have taxation capabilities and income we must address use and potential increases. Just to name a few things. Ironically part of the reason I ran was the person I un-seated had been doing it for a LONG time and was becoming combative and disrespectful to citizens, refused to address upkeep issues and wasn't addressing county auditor issues/findings. As per previous elections for this position, if nobody runs against you you stay in the position. He made misleading statements in a meeting regarding nobody should run because it cause tax pays money, that was pretty much the last straw for me as I had researched a ton about running and knew this was false. He also ignored the county election office who notify incumbent officials if someone else had filed to run. So the community showed him (I believe the write-ins were him, wife and neighbor) the door, I guess I have made an ok impression.
We need to replace our sign!
And here is my done picture of the cemetery.
Here is a map of all the cemetery districts in Washington.
And if your really board, here is a summary of cemetery district duties and responsibilities...
Washington State has 103 cemetery districts, which are established to maintain and operate local cemeteries and are governed by a board of three elected commissioners serving staggered six-year terms.
These districts are formed through a petition process that requires voter approval, and elections for commissioners are conducted during general elections without a primary, with the candidate receiving the most votes for each position being elected.
Cemetery districts have the authority to levy a nonvoted property tax up to 11.25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value and may also impose one-year excess levies for operations and maintenance, subject to 60% voter approval and minimum turnout requirements.
The county treasurer manages all district revenues and taxes through a dedicated cemetery district fund.
Cemetery districts have broad powers, including the right of eminent domain, the ability to cooperate with public or private agencies for services, and the authority to engage in community revitalization financing for public improvements.
However, a city of the third class cannot be included in a cemetery district's boundaries, and a district cannot acquire or jointly manage the cemetery of such a city.
The formation and boundaries of these districts are governed by Chapter 68.52 RCW, which outlines procedures for petition, hearing, and election.
Does this mean I have to try euro nymphing??
Much respect for what you’ve done, especially stepping up for your community, present and past. As more generations migrate from birth areas in pursuit of jobs, better living conditions, parental (health)care, military involvement etc, the past tends to recede into the dark recesses of the current consciousness.
The past, and those who lived it, worked it, and passed away within a days drive of where they were born tends to be a non factor in communities today. Communities need to retain and embrace the past, building a foundation for the future otherwise that history will go the way of the dinosaurs. Can’t let that happen.
Don’t know you other than here on the site but if Steve K speaks highly of you you’re fine by me. Also, if you plan to start a Go Fund Me project for the new sign for Mineral Lake I’d be more than happy to contribute.
The world needs more Shawn Seegers and Mineral Lakes at the present time! Let it Happen.
Way to set an example. God bless Shawn.