PLYMOUTH — The most consistent funds to upkeep Plymouth cemeteries come via property taxes.
Village of Plymouth Fiscal Officer DiAnn Jamerson said income generated by the issue is used for a variety of maintenance, including tasks such as mowing, tree trimming and weed whacking.
In November, village residents will vote on a proposed renewal of the property tax issue — which has been around since Jamerson began working for Plymouth 24 years ago, she said.
As a renewal, the five-year, 1-mill property tax issue will not cost property owners additional money if passed by voters Nov. 5.
Jamerson said the issue generates about $17,000 for the village each year.
The tax costs property owners approximately $35 annually per each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value.
If approved by village voters in November, the property tax issue would commence in 2025 and expire in 2029. Collection would start in 2026 and run through 2030.
Funds support upkeep, upgrades and personnel
Past funds generated by the property tax issue have supported general maintenance and upkeep of Plymouth’s Greenlawn and Pioneer Rest cemeteries.
But when able, the village has also invested financially in upgrading facilities on the grounds, Jamerson said. Most recently, improvements were made to the mausoleum and chapel at Greenlawn Cemetery.
“We’re just trying our best to take care of those things,” the fiscal officer said.
Collected funds also help the village maintain and repair frequently used equipment at both sites, including the cemetery backhoe.
Personnel to upkeep the presentation and landscape of the grounds, including mowing, tree trimming and weed whacking, are also paid for using issue funds.
Jamerson said years ago, several Plymouth youth would frequently help mow at the cemeteries — assistance not as commonly received today.
The village instead has had to hire landscape companies to tackle the large scope of work, which can quickly become costly, she said.
