1. THE PUBLIC CEMETERY:
MEETING NEW CHALLENGES IN A
TIME OF CHANGE
Georgia MunicipalCemeteryAssociation | 4 October 2017
Robert (Sherman)Yehl, Associate Professor of Political Science
Valdosta State University
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4. Armageddon
 Lack of space
 Eroded trust funds
 Higher maintenance costs
 Cremation
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5. History
 Town commons, church yards
 Urban growth
 19th century
 Park like settings
 Cultural significance
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6. A Public Issue
 “Sensitive” contents
 Expansion – nuisance
 Environmental externalities
 Older population
 Discrimination
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7. The Planning Challenge
 Still a need for grave space
 83,000 additional acres needed
between 2024 and 2042
 Expenditures exceeding revenues
 Deferred maintenance
 Utilities
 Staffing
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8. 21st Century Management
 Secondary purposes
 Long-term planning
 Benchmarking
 New services
 Technology
 Staffing
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9. Protect|Preserve|Promote
 Annual fee review
 New products
 Dedicate tax
 ”Green” burials
 Reframe as park
 Enhanced security
 Website/social media
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10. Continuity & Creativity
 Preservation
 Promotion
 Repositioning
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Contact: rpyehl@valdosta.edu

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