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Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County adopts ordinance to regulate public cemetery
Summary
The commission unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑1 to codify rules for the Cusseta‑Chattahoochee Harmony Public Cemetery, covering lot sales, interment procedures, marker standards, maintenance responsibilities and penalties up to $500 per offense.
The Commission of the Unified Government of Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County on Oct. 7 adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑1 to add Article III to Chapter 20 of the county code, establishing rules for the Cusseta‑Chattahoochee Harmony Public Cemetery.
The ordinance names the County Manager as the superintendent of county‑owned cemeteries and requires the county to maintain records of lot ownership and interments. It sets fees by resolution, clarifies that lot sales confer only a right of interment (not title to land), and requires transfers to be recorded with the county. All interments must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance and performed by licensed or county‑authorized personnel.
The measure also authorizes the county to regulate the size, placement and materials of markers and monuments; temporary markers must be replaced by permanent markers within 12 months. Routine maintenance of common areas and access roads is assigned to the county, while individual lot upkeep is left to lot owners or families. The ordinance authorizes removal of decorations deemed unsafe or noncompliant.
Enforcement language in the ordinance allows fines of up to $500 per offense and civil enforcement; each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. The text includes a severability clause and repeals conflicting ordinances while preserving unrelated Article II provisions on park conduct.
The ordinance package as introduced includes definitions (plot/lot, interment, perpetual care), procedural requirements for disinterment and a clause that the ordinance takes effect immediately unless otherwise specified. The printed ordinance in the meeting packet lists prior hearings and readings and contains the exhibit language added to the county code.
The adoption vote was unanimous. The ordinance text and its procedural record were included in the meeting packet and codified as presented; the county clerk will maintain the official records for ownership and interment documentation.
