The Benton Harbor Cemetery Board addressed a written complaint from Dorothy Branscum about items that were placed at a gravesite and then removed. The complaint, received Oct. 19, 2025, included photographs and described a hanging wreath, two matching bouquets and a solar light that were no longer at the plot.

Board members said they found conflicting posted removal dates — some notices read Sept. 30, the website showed Oct. 15, and other documents cited April 1–Oct. 31 — and agreed the inconsistency had caused confusion for families. A staff member named George was asked to confirm the official schedule for removing loose decorations.

To resolve the uncertainty, the board voted to adopt a clear, single schedule for seasonal displays and removals, specifying April 1 through Oct. 1 as the display season. The board directed that the revised dates and rules be posted consistently in the cemetery office, on the website and in printed pamphlets. The board also decided that families must notify the office in advance for special occasions; the rules will remind the public that the cemetery is not responsible for plants, vases, flags, lights or other items damaged or removed by weather, theft, vandalism or causes beyond the cemetery’s control.

The board recorded the motion and carried the vote. Members noted they would bring the complainant back to a future meeting for clarification so the board could fairly consider reimbursement requests in cases where policy or notice may have been unclear.

The change follows discussion about how the cemetery communicates rules and the board’s intent to reduce future family disputes by ensuring all notices reflect the same dates.