CAO's reply to query on Riverbank Cemetery

 This is the email I sent to CAO Cathie Osborne on April 20, 2016

Good Morning

I understand that at a meeting in the fall in Hantsport about dissolution you were surprised to learn that perpetual care for one plot costs a one time payment of $400 to the town.

You suggested that Hantsport adopt the policy of a Windsor cemetery which charges $4000.

I would appreciate your comment on this subject for my blog.

Thank you.

-Heather Davidson

Here is her reply sent later that day:

Heather,  my experience in cemetery operation is limited to my past employment with other municipalities. I am no expert in the management or investment of perpetual trust funds. My limited understanding follows:

Municipalities are exempted from the rigorous requirements of the Cemetery Act and perpetual care fund requirements. But once having made the decision to provide cemetery services,  a municipality should do so efficiently and effectively and in the best interests of the whole community.

The bottom line is that there are insufficient funds set aside for the Hantsport Riverbank Cemetery to drawn from for operations or currently being collected from the sale of lots to cover the annual maintenance requirements of an active/open cemetery. The tax payers of the former town of Hantsport have been topping up the expenses through their general rate. It was a rightful decision their Council made, based, I assume on the information available and within the climate of the time.

However, given the amount of work that needs to be done to the grounds and monuments, this funding is not been sufficient. Cemeteries are not generally designed to be multi-use spaces. But since they are municipal property there may be some public usage outside of the intended purpose which might support some public funding.   The private sector is funded under a user supported model for services and on-going maintenance. They not only expect to cover their costs but to make a profit.  Their facilities are not normally used as open public spaces.

Currently the  Hantsport tax payer (who may or may not be an user) is supplementing  the service to a degree we believe is higher than that observed in other municipally operated cemeteries. To what degree, is  still to be accurately determined. The Municipality needs to understand what the future liability amounts to so that Council can be advised and can make an informed decision on the cemetery operation going forward. Staff has recommended, at this time,  that the annual cost for the operation of the cemetery be funded through an area rate applied to the residents of Hantsport. The Municipality needs to ensure this continues to be appropriate.  The Town of Windsor has operated a cemetery for many years and appears to have taken steps to balance the cost of the operation to the general tax payer. We will be looking at the work they have done for guidance.

If you need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cathie Osborne, CPA, CGA

Chief Administrative Officer

Municipality