Young County changes indigent cremation policy; ashes to be held by county judge unless claimed

The Young County Commissioners Court voted to change the county's indigent cremation policy so that cremains from county-paid indigent cremations will be transferred to the county judge's custody; families wanting ashes returned will be required to reimburse the county for cremation costs.

Judge Edwin Graham said the current process, under which the county paid for an indigent cremation and turned ashes over to families, was being taken advantage of in some cases. Graham said he surveyed other counties and found varying practices; several counties keep cremains and require families to reimburse the county if they later request the ashes.

Court discussion noted the county's existing payment for indigent cremations had been described in the meeting as being in the range of $1,000 to $1,200, but Graham said he could not recall the exact figure and the transcript did not provide a definitive amount. The court's action now establishes that cremains from indigent cremations will be brought to the county judge's office; the county judge's office will then determine disposition. Unclaimed ashes could be disposed of properly on a periodic basis, Graham said.

Commissioner Jimmy Wiley moved to change the policy and Commissioner Shook seconded. The court approved the motion after brief discussion.

County staff said they will formalize administrative steps and guidance for families and coroners on how to request ashes and reimburse the county for costs when appropriate.