HomeMy WebLinkAboutBurial Disposition Policy - 5-1-2022 Otter Tail County Burial/Disposition Allowance and Expenditure Policy
Policy became effective March 1, 2011, Updates: 4/ 2015, 5/2017, 5/20222
In accordance with MN Statute §261.035, 261.04 and 256.935, Otter Tail County will provide for the direct
cremation or immediate earth burial if cremation is contrary to the beliefs or expressed wishes of the decedent,
or those of the spouse or relative/next of kin for residents of the county who are otherwise unable to pay the cost
of disposition. If neither the wishes of the decedent or the practices of the decedent’s faith tradition are known,
nor the county has information about the existence or location of any next of kin, the county may authorize and
provide for cremation of the person's remains and interment.
Application for a county disposition of remains can be made by a relative, friend of the deceased, or a funeral
home director if there is no known relative or friend to make application. Applications must be made before
the disposition arrangement agreement is completed unless weekends, holidays, or extraordinary circumstances
prevent a timely application. Verification of the balance in any accounts held by the decedent, as of the date of
death, is required before the disposition will be approved.
County payment must be accepted as payment in full for items included in the county disposition policy. The
county funded disposition is not intended to supplement other funds available for such services. If family
and/or friends choose to make substitutions such as upgrading the casket, they will be obligated to pay for the
entire cost of the disposition. Items of a special nature will be individually considered and must be prior
authorized.
If a request is approved, it is understood that all resources of the decedent shall be remitted to the funeral home
to offset the expense of the disposition. Resources include but are not limited to: balance of checking/savings
account, cash on hand, resources available via ‘crowd sourcing’, such as GoFundMe accounts, etc. Otter Tail
County will then pay the balance due (up to the approved limit) to the funeral home. After approximately thirty
(30) days, the county will close out any accounts held by the decedent if the family is not able to access the
funds. In addition, where applicable, any death benefit available must be applied for and shall be turned over to
the county. If other resources become available to the deceased estate, it is understood that the county will be
notified immediately.
Otter Tail County will not pay for any extra fees associated with the disposition of the remains. Only the actual
price of the grave space and opening/closing expense will be paid, up to the approved limits. Receipts for these
services must accompany the voucher submitted by the funeral home. If the allotted maximum amounts do not
cover the grave space or the opening/closing expense, the family will be obligated to pay the difference.
The family will be responsible for expenses which include, but are not limited to, the following: interment fees,
winter burial costs (including snow removal), perpetual care, markers, final dates, additional transportation,
cemetery tent and set-up fees, memorial paper products, obituaries, flowers, clothing, honorariums, etc. County
or decedent’s funds shall not be used to pay for these expenses.
It will be understood that a county funded disposition will not allow mortuaries receiving public funding to
provide public visitations or funeral/memorial events outside of the graveside service.
If a resident of another county dies in Otter Tail County, the burial/disposition costs must be approved and paid
for by the County of Financial Responsibility