Codes changes approved for Memorial Park Cemetery

Several procedural changes and the acceptance of perpetual care funds were made concerning Newton Memorial Park Cemetery. City council adopted an update to the language in city codes relating to the purchase of cemetery plots, who can sign the certificate of interment, the depositing of care fund money and accepting the funds from Jasper County.

Newton Memorial Park Cemetery, 2710 First Ave. E., came into the city's ownership in October 2015 after the Iowa Insurance Division received it from its previous owner. It is one of two city-owned and operated perpetual care cemeteries with the other being Newton Union Cemetery.

Previously, a buyer of a burial lot received a “cemetery deed.” Since the term “deed” is often used when referring to the sale of land, the transaction has been confusing for the public.

“They believe they purchased a piece of land at the cemetery,” city administrator Matt Muckler said. “In reality, a buyer of a burial lot is purchasing the right of burial or interment.”

The terminology was approved to change from “deed” to “certificate of interment rights.”

Also, since acquiring the cemetery, the city has been doing a LEAN process for cemetery work and realized that paperwork flows between several city offices including city hall where the mayor signs the certificate of interment. After speaking with the IID, the city found that an elected official does not need to sign the certificate and a person representing the city may sign it. By making this change, thee purchaser of the burial lot will be able to receive the certificate the day they pay and it would eliminate paperwork being transported between multiple city offices.

The city is also updating city code to match state code regarding the requirement of perpetual cemeteries to set aside and deposit in the care fund an amount equal to or greater than $50 or 20 percent of the gross selling price received for each sale of interment rights, whichever is more. The city has been complying with this code but with approval it will now be city code.

Finally, Memorial Park Cemetery was a private cemetery until the city took ownership. Currently, there is a $49,460 perpetual care fund that Jasper County was the custodian for. Following approval of the resolution, the city accepted the perpetual care funds.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com