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Finney County approves indigent burial payment above policy to cover local funeral cost
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Summary
The county authorized a one-time indigent burial payment of $2,020 to Garnan Funeral Home for a resident who died experiencing homelessness, exceeding the $750 limit in Resolution 11-2012. Commissioners said staff should return with an amendment to the resolution to reflect current cremation and burial costs.
The Finney County Board of Commissioners approved a one-time indigent burial payment of $2,020 to Garnan Funeral Home to provide a dignified final disposition for a county resident who died while experiencing homelessness.
Staff presented the case and eligibility under the county's indigent-burial policy (Resolution 11-2012), which sets a $750 limit for assistance when no estate or responsible party can pay. Staff said the deceased met eligibility criteria and provided cost estimates from two local funeral homes: Garnan Funeral Home ($2,020) and Robinson Funeral Home ($4,080). Kansas statute citations (KSA 22-20,15 and KSA 39-7,13 d, as referenced in the record) authorize county assistance when no estate resources are available.
Commissioners discussed the need to revisit Resolution 11-2012 to reflect current funeral costs and noted Kansas administrative regulation guidance that a higher range (up to about $2,000) may apply in other assistance programs. Commissioner Schultz moved to approve Alternative 1 (pay Garnan $2,020); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to return with proposed amendments to the resolution to better reflect current prices.
