PLYMOUTH — The most consistent funding for maintaining Plymouth’s cemeteries comes from property taxes.
Plymouth Village Finance Director DeAnne Jamerson said the revenue generated by the issue will be used for a variety of maintenance, including tasks such as mowing, tree removal and weed whacking.
In November, village residents will vote on an update to the property tax issue, which she said has been going on since Jamerson started working in Plymouth 24 years ago.
As an update, the five-year, $1 million property tax issue will cost property owners no additional costs if passed by voters on Nov. 5.
Jamerson said the issue costs the village about $17,000 annually.
The tax costs property owners about $35 per year for every $100,000 of county auditor assessed value.
If approved by village voters in November, the issuance of property taxes would begin in 2025 and expire in 2029. The levy will begin in 2026 and continue until 2030.
Plymouth Village Hall is located at 48 W. Broadway St. Credit: Plymouth, Ohio FacebookFunds supports maintenance, upgrades, and personnel.
Past funds generated by property tax issues have supported the general maintenance and upkeep of Greenlawn Cemetery and Pioneer Rest Cemetery in Plymouth.
But whenever possible, the village also invests financially in upgrading on-site facilities, Jamerson said. Recent improvements have been made to the mausoleum and chapel at Greenlawn Cemetery.
“We’re just doing everything in our power to address these issues,” the treasurer said.
Funds raised will also help the village maintain and repair equipment used frequently at both sites, such as the cemetery’s backhoe.
Labor costs to maintain the landscaping and appearance of the property, such as mowing grass, cutting trees, and pounding weeds, are also paid from the issuing fund.
Mr. Jamerson said that years ago, several young people from Plymouth frequently helped mow the cemetery, an assistance not commonly available today.
Instead, the village had to hire a landscaping company to handle the extensive work, which can quickly add up costs, she said.
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