Tulare Public Cemetery District adopts FY 2025–26 budget amid public concern over maintenance and finances

The Tulare Public Cemetery District on Aug. 26 adopted its fiscal year 2025–26 final budget following a public hearing in which residents raised concerns about grounds maintenance, alleged misuse of funds, and accounting clarity.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the budget after staff presented line-item details and answered multiple questions from trustees. The hearing included detailed discussion of staffing costs, a $60,000 line for concrete bases matched by $60,000 in revenue, and a $150,000 repairs-and-maintenance allocation that staff said covers equipment, herbicide and burial-service supplies.

Why it matters: the district manages public burial grounds used by thousands of Tulare County families. Budget lines and accounting practices determine how much of the district’s revenue is available for routine maintenance, capital work and pre-need contracts that are intended to fund care in future years.

Public testimony and allegations Several residents told the trustees they were worried about the condition of graves and turf and raised broader questions about district finances. Alberto Aguilar, a member of the public who said he had submitted multiple Public Records Act requests, alleged "misuse of public money, falsification of financial records, abuse of authority and non compliance with the policies and laws that govern public cemeteries." Aguilar said he believes more than $1,500,000 was transferred in fiscal…