Reflecting on the Role of Yelm Cemetery Commissioners and Their Responsibilities

Angela Taylor
Oct 15
3 min read

If you visit Yelm Cemetery, you will see that it is a tranquil place adorned with hundreds of well-kept memorials, providing a final resting spot for loved ones. Behind this peaceful facade is a dedicated team ensuring this space is properly maintained and respectfully managed. This team is comprised of three Cemetery Commissioners. In this blog post, we will explore what a Cemetery Commissioner does, their responsibilities, and why their role is so important to the community.

What is a Cemetery Commissioner?

A Cemetery Commissioner is an elected official who oversees the operations and management of a cemetery. Their main goal is to create a respectful environment that meets the community's needs.

Yelm Cemetery services about 25-100 burials per year, requiring the commissioners to ensure that each burial service is conducted properly and respectfully. They also oversee the maintenance of the grounds, which includes everything from mowing lawns to landscaping tasks that help beautify the space.

Key Responsibilities of a Cemetery Commissioner

1. Oversight of Cemetery Operations

One of the main duties of a Cemetery Commissioner is managing the daily operations. This includes staff oversight, grounds maintenance, and funeral services, which must align with local laws.

Regular inspections are crucial. For instance, a commissioner might conduct monthly checks to address potential safety hazards such as uneven paths or dead trees. They also need to ensure that the cemetery is accessible and welcoming to visitors.

2. Financial Management

Our Cemetery Commissioners handle financial matters to keep the cemetery functional. They develop budgets for maintenance, worker salaries, and services like plot sales.

For example, a commissioner might find a way to keep costs down by negotiating service contracts or frugally managing expenses, ensuring that families can purchase burial plots at reasonable prices. In essence, they must balance maintaining a respected facility with providing affordable options for grieving families.

3. Community Engagement

Yelm Cemetery Commissioners act as a bridge between the cemetery and the public, often at very difficult times for loved ones. Our commissioners engage with the community, addressing concerns and gathering feedback from families.

Yelm Cemetery is host to public board meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These public meetings are where community members can voice their thoughts and needs.

4. Compliance with Regulations

All cemeteries must adhere to various local, state, and federal regulations. For instance, Cemetery Commissioners are bound to ensure they are compliant with laws regarding burial practices and maintenance standards. They are also bound to regulations concerning financials and meeting minutes.

Cemetery Commissioners are required to keep a record of proceedings and RCW 68.52.270 says, "all records of the board shall be open to the inspection of any elector of the district at any meeting of the board." Additionally, the Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30) requires minutes of all regular and special meetings (except executive sessions) to be promptly recorded and open for public inspection and RCW 42.56 makes public records (including meeting minutes and many financial records) available for inspection and copying unless an exemption applies. Annual financial reports and audits are filed with the State Auditor (RCW 43.09.230/SAO rules).

5. Preservation and Maintenance

The Cemetery Commissioner Board manages the preservation of Yelm Cemetery's historical elements. Yelm Cemetery has been designated a historical site and houses monuments, headstones, and artifacts with historical significance that need to be cared for. Our community benefits greatly when our cemetery retains its character, stories, and important cultural landmarks.

The Importance of the Cemetery Commissioner Role

The work of a Cemetery Commissioner is essential for maintaining the dignity of burial sites. Their role goes beyond just management; they create spaces for reflection and remembrance.

By ensuring smooth operations, sound finances, and strong community ties, Cemetery Commissioners foster environments that honor and remember those interred. According to a survey, about 70% of families view the condition of a cemetery as a direct reflection of how much respect is given to their loved ones.

Challenges Faced by Cemetery Commissioners

Cemetery Commissioners face various challenges. Budget restrictions, evolving regulations, and the emotional nature of their work can create stressful situations.

For instance, they might need to process requests for new burial plots while dealing with families who are grieving. Balancing compassion with professionalism is crucial, as is adapting to changing community needs.