McLeod County updates county-paid cremation and burial policy; out-of-state burials excluded

The McLeod County Board of Commissioners on May 20 approved an updated McLeod County Cremation Burial Policy effective the same day. County staff described the policy as guidance for eligibility workers who approve county-paid cremation and final expense payments.

County staff said the current policy dated Sept. 6, 2022 was reviewed at a May 6 workshop and that the update limits county payments for certain types of arrangements. The board was told, as read at the meeting, that “McLeod County will not pay for out of state burials,” and that the update also addresses community donations; transcript audio cut off mid-sentence on the example given. The record shows the board approved the updated policy by motion.

Why it matters: The policy sets parameters for when McLeod County will pay cremation and final expenses, and the change excluding out-of-state burials may shift costs or require families to seek alternative arrangements or funding.

What the board did next: A motion to approve the updated policy was made and seconded and carried on a recorded voice vote with no opposition. County staff said the updated policy will be implemented immediately and staff will follow the guidance when processing eligibility requests going forward.