From http://www2.legis.state.ia.us/IACODE/1997SUPPLEMENT/ on 09/13/98:
Iowa Code 1997
Chapter 331
Section 325
Control and maintenance of pioneer cemeteries---cemetery commission.

1. As used in this section, "pioneer cemetery" means a cemetery where there have been six or fewer
burials in the preceding fifty years.

2. Each county board of supervisors may adopt an ordinance assuming jurisdiction and control of pioneer
cemeteries in the county. The board shall exercise the powers and duties of township trustees relating to
the maintenance and repair of cemeteries in the county as provided in sections 359.28 through 359.41
except that the board shall not certify a tax levy pursuant to section 359.30 or 359.33 and except that
the maintenance and repair of all cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the county including pioneer
cemeteries shall be paid from the county general fund. The maintenance and improvement program for a
pioneer cemetery may include restoration and management of native prairie grasses and wildflowers.

3. In lieu of management of the cemeteries, the board of supervisors may create, by ordinance, a
cemetery commission to assume jurisdiction and management of the pioneer cemeteries in the county.
The ordinance shall delineate the number of commissioners, the appointing authority, the term of office,
officers, employees, organizational matters, rules of procedure, compensation and expenses, and other
matters deemed pertinent by the board. The board may delegate any power and duties relating to
cemeteries which may otherwise be exercised by township trustees pursuant to sections 359.28 through
359.41 to the cemetery commission except the commission shall not certify a tax levy pursuant to
section 359.30 or 359.33 and except that the expenses of the cemetery commission shall be paid from
the county general fund.

4. Notwithstanding sections 359.30 and 359.33, the costs of management, repair, and maintenance of
pioneer cemeteries shall be paid from the county general fund.


E-mail: Dee Pavey

Click here to return to the Clark County Cemeteries Index
Click here to return to the Clark County INGenWeb site

© Nov 2004