State Representative Kathy Haigh’s (D-Shelton) legislation to streamline the formation of cemetery districts cleared a key committee hurdle when it was voted out of the House Local Government Committee last week.
Rep. Haigh introduced the bill to combat a growing problem at Shelton Memorial Park. The cemetery has historically been financially supported by folks buying up space, but in recent decades more and more people are choosing to be cremated. While countless volunteers are working to maintain the cemetery, the rising cost of operation and the declining revenue is jeopardizing the long-term integrity of the grounds.
Currently a 2/3rds majority vote is necessary to create a special-purpose cemetery district. This bill would put cemetery districts in line with port, water, and hospital districts by requiring a simple majority vote.
“A few years ago, nearly 60 percent of Shelton residents voted in favor of creating a special purpose district around the cemetery- an overwhelming majority but not enough to approve the measure,” said Rep. Haigh. “This bill makes it easier for a community like Shelton to do the necessary upkeep on the resting places for so many of our family members, friends and neighbors.”
Members of the House Local Government Committee also heard testimony in favor of the bill from Shelton-area VFW members and Mason County Auditor Karen Herr.
“The current requirements to create a cemetery district are both archaic and excessive,” said Auditor Herr. “The bill puts in place requirements that are not only more feasible, but also more consistent with other special purpose districts.”