In a message dated 12/31/01 6:43:33 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
ssilver1951(a)jps.net writes:
It's not perfect, but it gives the State (and through it the
counties) the ability to take legal jurisdiction over these "abandoned"
cemeteries. Especially the one's with the reserved, saved and excepted from
clauses where no one's willing to step up to the plate.
Sue,
there is nothing I know of in the Indiana Code that gives the State,
Counties or cities the > Legal right to take possession of These cemeteries
out in the middle of someone's Property. I know we need some kind
of Law
that would make these property owners when they take possession of the
Property that has the words "There is a Cemetery or Burial Site on this
Property" legally responsible to keep them clean and fenced, OR turn them
over to the Township Trustee along with the rights of Ingress and Egress
for the Trustees to maintain them. Then there would be no cost to the
property owner. Along with ownership the Trustee would assume the cost of
maintenance. I know from experience, Indiana is still learning how to walk
compared to California. California, due to the great influx of People since
before the Gold Rush, has caused the state to respond in some positive ways
when it comes to "abandoned or Neglected property and large number of
cemeteries. I hope we can catch up. We went for years without any positive
moves on cemetery Laws. Now we are in Danger of asking to much to quick for
our Legislature. I print out the copies of your laws and any others I can
get, and file them for Ideas. Thanks, and keep us up on any laws we discuss.
Jack E. Briles, Sr.
jb502000(a)aol.com
Floyd County INPCRP Coordinator
PO Box 444
New Albany, In. 47151-0444
(812) 282-6585