Local News

Nokomis Cemetery Tax Issue on April Ballot

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 09:05:16 CST
Grave concern is taking on a whole new meaning in Nokomis Township this election season. Township voters will weigh in on a tax referendum to create a revenue stream for Nokomis Cemetery. A yes vote would lead to a maximum tax of .10% to provide for cemetery maintenance. Paul Keller serves on the Nokomis Township Cemetery Subcommittee. He previously served with the Nokomis Cemetery Association before added state requirements led them to move duties to the township 11 years ago. Keller says the years since have been difficult with the Recession and revenue trends since like declining grave sales, and a growing number of people choosing cremation. A Chicago area funeral home and cemetery scandal several years ago led to a state law calling for 15% of funds going toward perpetual care. For every 500 dollars, 75 dollars goes to perpetual care, which they can't tap into. Currently the cemetery has a perpetual care fund of $80,000 but it's off limits in what feels like a padlocked cookie jar...... Keller says he's made the rounds in Springfield and despite talking to many state officials, has failed to solve the mystery of when you can spend perpetual care dollars. In addition to routine mowing, maintenance needs also come into play when you talk about trees on the hill, which generate growing problems as their roots stretch out and grow. Early voting is underway in Montgomery County ahead of the april 6th election. you can vote between 8 and 4 in the early voting room in the basement of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro or contact County Clerk and Recorder Sandy Leitheiser's office if you want a vote by mail ballot.