Cemetery Information
ACME TOWNSHIP CEMETERIES
Acme Township owns two cemeteries. Acme Cemetery was established July 11, 1895, and is located on US 31 North just before the main entrance to the Grand Traverse Resort. Yuba Cemetery was established July 19, 1904, and is located five miles north of Acme on US 31 at Yuba.
The Cemetery Ordinance and Cemetery Rules and Regulations may be inspected at the Acme Township Clerk's office located at 6042 Acme Road, Williamsburg, Michigan 49690.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
Following is a list of commonly asked questions and answers. For additional information, you can contact Clerk Lisa Swanson or Cristy Danca at the Township Clerk’s office in person, by telephone (231.938.1350), or by email ([email protected]).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How do I locate an individual’s gravesite?
You may contact the Township Clerk’s office for assistance or search http://www.findagrave.com.
Who administers the cemeteries?
The Acme Township Clerk’s office administers all duties of the Acme and Yuba cemeteries, including maintaining records concerning all burials. These records are available to the public for viewing during regular business hours (please call ahead to schedule a time). These records are kept separate and apart from any other records of the Township.
How can a lot(s) and/or a plot(s) be purchased?
The Township Clerk or Deputy Clerk can assist you with choosing a location and making a purchase. All sales of burial lot(s) and/or plot(s) shall be recorded on a Cemetery Certificate that is provided to the purchaser of said lot(s) and/or plot(s). All cemetery certificates shall be executed only by the Township Clerk’s office. When purchasing burial lot(s) and/or plot(s), the purchaser will be asked to provide the name(s) of those intended to be buried in each plot. The name(s) will be recorded and assigned to their respective plot(s). Cemetery lots and/or plots cannot be purchased through any funeral home.
Can purchased cemetery lots and/or plots be transferred or resold?
To Transfer or resell any unused cemetery lot(s) and/or plot(s) to either a family member or other individual, the original purchaser must first resell the lot(s) and/or plot(s) back to Acme Township. They will then be reimbursed the original purchase price. A new Cemetery Certificate will be issued to the new purchaser of said lot(s) and/or plot(s) at the current purchase price for lots/plots. Transfer of all burial rights must be made in the presence of the Township Clerk, with endorsement by the Township Clerk reflected on the originally issued Cemetery Certificate and the Clerk’s official records. The newly issued Cemetery Certificate will indicate the transfer from the original purchaser to the current purchaser and the original Cemetery Certificate shall be cancelled and terminated at no additional cost.
Does the Township repurchase burial lots/plots?
The Township will repurchase any unused cemetery burial lot or plot from the owner for the original price paid to the Township, upon the written request of said owner or his or her legal heirs or representative. Where the original owner is deceased, the owner’s legal heirs will provide the Township Clerk a written, notarized letter stating all family heirs are in agreement to the selling of the original purchased available plot(s) back to the Township at the original purchase price. This letter must be signed and dated by each family heir and must be notarized.
What are cemetery hours?
The cemetery shall be open to the general public from Dawn to Dusk each day. No person shall be permitted in the Township’s cemeteries at any time other than the foregoing hours, except upon permission of the Township Board or the Township Clerk. No interment or disinterment shall take place from December 1 to May 1 except by Court order. Weather conditions prior to December 1 (i.e. frozen ground) may be a factor to be considered on a case by case basis.
Who can be buried in a cemetery plot?
The purchaser(s) of the cemetery plot(s) and family members and/or family heirs have burial rights.
What is the cost and size of burial plots in Acme and Yuba Cemeteries?
Each burial space/plot shall cost the sum of four hundred dollars ($400.00) for Acme Township residents and six hundred dollars ($600.00) for non-residents. The purchase amount shall be deposited in the Township's Cemetery Fund. By resolution, the Township Board may periodically alter the foregoing fees to accommodate any increases in cost and needed reserve funds for cemetery maintenance and acquisition. Burial plots in Acme Cemetery are approximately 6 x 12 feet, Yuba Cemetery plots are approximately 5 x 10 feet in size.
How many burials are allowed per plot and can cremains be placed on a full size plot?
One full size casket may be buried in a plot. One full size casket and one cremain urn may be buried in a plot. Up to two (2) cremain urns may be buried in a plot. An adult casket and an infant casket may be buried in a plot. Two children buried at the same time may be buried in one plot.
At least 36-hours’ notice shall be given (to the township’s contracted person or Township Clerk’s office) in advance of any funeral to allow for the opening of the burial space. All casket burials shall be within a standard concrete vault installed or constructed in each burial space before interment. A cemetery certificate, death certificate, or burial permit for the burial space involved, together with appropriate identification of the person to be buried therein, shall be presented to either the township’s contracted person or the Township Clerk’s office prior to the interment. When a cemetery certificate or appropriate permit has been lost or destroyed, the Township Clerk shall be satisfied from his or her records, that the person to be buried in the burial space is authorized and appropriate before any burial takes place. All graves shall be located in a neat and orderly manner within the confines of the burial space involved.
Who arranges a date and time of a burial?
All burials will be arranged by contacting the Township Clerk and or Township Clerk’s Deputy. The request for opening of a burial site can be made one of two ways. One method is for the funeral home to contact the Acme Township Clerk directly. The cost for opening and closing of a burial site will be paid to Acme Township and mailed or hand-delivered to the Township Clerk’s office. Otherwise, if the funeral home will not be involved with the burial, the request for the opening and closing of a burial site can be made by the family directly to the Township Clerk’s office. The family will complete the required form, provide a death certificate, and provide the Township Clerk with the appropriate cost for the opening and closing of the gravesite. The Township Clerk’s office will arrange with the contracted person for the opening and closing of the gravesite on the agreed date and time.
Who is responsible to erect and maintain grave markers?
All markers or memorials must be of stone or other equally durable composition. All monuments must be located upon a suitable solid foundation to maintain the monument/marker/memorial in an erect position. Only one monument, marker or memorial shall be permitted per burial space and it shall be located on the West side of the gravesite in line with existing monuments, markers or memorials. Monument companies are to contact the Township Clerk’s office before installing a foundation or monument, marker, or memorial so the correct location can be marked by the Township’s Cemetery Manager. All installation of foundations and monuments/markers/memorials will be at the cost of the owner of the burial site. Acme Township does not provide or install foundations or monuments, markers, or memorials.
What are the guidelines for the Acme and Yuba cemetery grounds?
No grading, leveling or excavating upon a burial space shall be allowed without the permission of the Acme Township Clerk. Surfaces other than earth or sod are prohibited. The Cemetery Manager, at the direction of the Township Clerk, shall have the right and authority to remove and dispose of any and all overgrowth, emblems, displays, or containers that through decay, deterioration or damage have become unsightly, a source of litter, or a maintenance problem. All refuse of any kind or nature including dried flowers, wreaths, papers, and flower containers must be removed or deposited in containers located within the cemeteries. All questions or concerns pertaining to the cemetery grounds should be directed to the Acme Township Clerk at 231-938-1350.
Who should be contacted if a marker is sinking and needs to be raised?
If grave markers are sinking and need to be raised, contact the Acme Township Clerk’s office and provide the following information regarding the plot needing attention: cemetery, lot and plot number, and name of person buried in the plot.
What can be planted on grave plots and are hanging baskets and urns allowed?
No shrubs, trees or vegetation of any type shall be planted. All planting of flowers must be approved by the Township Clerk. Before placement on the burial plot, the Acme Township Clerk must approve hanging baskets, planters, and urns on a burial site. The Township Cemetery Manager or the Township Clerk may have any or all of the foregoing items removed if prior approval is not sought. Mounds hindering the free use of a lawn mower or other gardening apparatus are prohibited.
Who is responsible for maintaining shrubs and trees that are encroaching upon a grave?
The Township Board reserves the right to remove or trim any tree, plant or shrub located within the cemetery in the interest of maintaining proper appearance and use of the cemetery.
Can vacant cemetery lots or plots be forfeited back to the township?
Cemetery lots or burial spaces sold after the effective date of the township ordinance (June 6, 1983), and remaining vacant forty years from the date of their sale shall automatically revert to the Township upon occurrence of the following events:
If cemetery grounds are misused, can the Township take legal action?
Yes. Any person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions of the Cemetery Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of up to one hundred dollars ($100.00) and/or up to 90 days in jail, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. Any persons using the cemetery for parking of motor vehicles other than for cemetery related functions and purposes such as funeral attendance, maintaining plots and the cemetery grounds, or to visit a specific grave site, will be considered in violation of the Township Cemetery Ordinance and be subject to misdemeanor charges as per the Cemetery Ordinance.
Please contact Clerk Lisa Swanson or Cristy Danca (231.938.1350, [email protected]) with any questions.
Acme Township owns two cemeteries. Acme Cemetery was established July 11, 1895, and is located on US 31 North just before the main entrance to the Grand Traverse Resort. Yuba Cemetery was established July 19, 1904, and is located five miles north of Acme on US 31 at Yuba.
The Cemetery Ordinance and Cemetery Rules and Regulations may be inspected at the Acme Township Clerk's office located at 6042 Acme Road, Williamsburg, Michigan 49690.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
Following is a list of commonly asked questions and answers. For additional information, you can contact Clerk Lisa Swanson or Cristy Danca at the Township Clerk’s office in person, by telephone (231.938.1350), or by email ([email protected]).
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How do I locate an individual’s gravesite?
You may contact the Township Clerk’s office for assistance or search http://www.findagrave.com.
Who administers the cemeteries?
The Acme Township Clerk’s office administers all duties of the Acme and Yuba cemeteries, including maintaining records concerning all burials. These records are available to the public for viewing during regular business hours (please call ahead to schedule a time). These records are kept separate and apart from any other records of the Township.
How can a lot(s) and/or a plot(s) be purchased?
The Township Clerk or Deputy Clerk can assist you with choosing a location and making a purchase. All sales of burial lot(s) and/or plot(s) shall be recorded on a Cemetery Certificate that is provided to the purchaser of said lot(s) and/or plot(s). All cemetery certificates shall be executed only by the Township Clerk’s office. When purchasing burial lot(s) and/or plot(s), the purchaser will be asked to provide the name(s) of those intended to be buried in each plot. The name(s) will be recorded and assigned to their respective plot(s). Cemetery lots and/or plots cannot be purchased through any funeral home.
Can purchased cemetery lots and/or plots be transferred or resold?
To Transfer or resell any unused cemetery lot(s) and/or plot(s) to either a family member or other individual, the original purchaser must first resell the lot(s) and/or plot(s) back to Acme Township. They will then be reimbursed the original purchase price. A new Cemetery Certificate will be issued to the new purchaser of said lot(s) and/or plot(s) at the current purchase price for lots/plots. Transfer of all burial rights must be made in the presence of the Township Clerk, with endorsement by the Township Clerk reflected on the originally issued Cemetery Certificate and the Clerk’s official records. The newly issued Cemetery Certificate will indicate the transfer from the original purchaser to the current purchaser and the original Cemetery Certificate shall be cancelled and terminated at no additional cost.
Does the Township repurchase burial lots/plots?
The Township will repurchase any unused cemetery burial lot or plot from the owner for the original price paid to the Township, upon the written request of said owner or his or her legal heirs or representative. Where the original owner is deceased, the owner’s legal heirs will provide the Township Clerk a written, notarized letter stating all family heirs are in agreement to the selling of the original purchased available plot(s) back to the Township at the original purchase price. This letter must be signed and dated by each family heir and must be notarized.
What are cemetery hours?
The cemetery shall be open to the general public from Dawn to Dusk each day. No person shall be permitted in the Township’s cemeteries at any time other than the foregoing hours, except upon permission of the Township Board or the Township Clerk. No interment or disinterment shall take place from December 1 to May 1 except by Court order. Weather conditions prior to December 1 (i.e. frozen ground) may be a factor to be considered on a case by case basis.
Who can be buried in a cemetery plot?
The purchaser(s) of the cemetery plot(s) and family members and/or family heirs have burial rights.
What is the cost and size of burial plots in Acme and Yuba Cemeteries?
Each burial space/plot shall cost the sum of four hundred dollars ($400.00) for Acme Township residents and six hundred dollars ($600.00) for non-residents. The purchase amount shall be deposited in the Township's Cemetery Fund. By resolution, the Township Board may periodically alter the foregoing fees to accommodate any increases in cost and needed reserve funds for cemetery maintenance and acquisition. Burial plots in Acme Cemetery are approximately 6 x 12 feet, Yuba Cemetery plots are approximately 5 x 10 feet in size.
How many burials are allowed per plot and can cremains be placed on a full size plot?
One full size casket may be buried in a plot. One full size casket and one cremain urn may be buried in a plot. Up to two (2) cremain urns may be buried in a plot. An adult casket and an infant casket may be buried in a plot. Two children buried at the same time may be buried in one plot.
At least 36-hours’ notice shall be given (to the township’s contracted person or Township Clerk’s office) in advance of any funeral to allow for the opening of the burial space. All casket burials shall be within a standard concrete vault installed or constructed in each burial space before interment. A cemetery certificate, death certificate, or burial permit for the burial space involved, together with appropriate identification of the person to be buried therein, shall be presented to either the township’s contracted person or the Township Clerk’s office prior to the interment. When a cemetery certificate or appropriate permit has been lost or destroyed, the Township Clerk shall be satisfied from his or her records, that the person to be buried in the burial space is authorized and appropriate before any burial takes place. All graves shall be located in a neat and orderly manner within the confines of the burial space involved.
Who arranges a date and time of a burial?
All burials will be arranged by contacting the Township Clerk and or Township Clerk’s Deputy. The request for opening of a burial site can be made one of two ways. One method is for the funeral home to contact the Acme Township Clerk directly. The cost for opening and closing of a burial site will be paid to Acme Township and mailed or hand-delivered to the Township Clerk’s office. Otherwise, if the funeral home will not be involved with the burial, the request for the opening and closing of a burial site can be made by the family directly to the Township Clerk’s office. The family will complete the required form, provide a death certificate, and provide the Township Clerk with the appropriate cost for the opening and closing of the gravesite. The Township Clerk’s office will arrange with the contracted person for the opening and closing of the gravesite on the agreed date and time.
Who is responsible to erect and maintain grave markers?
All markers or memorials must be of stone or other equally durable composition. All monuments must be located upon a suitable solid foundation to maintain the monument/marker/memorial in an erect position. Only one monument, marker or memorial shall be permitted per burial space and it shall be located on the West side of the gravesite in line with existing monuments, markers or memorials. Monument companies are to contact the Township Clerk’s office before installing a foundation or monument, marker, or memorial so the correct location can be marked by the Township’s Cemetery Manager. All installation of foundations and monuments/markers/memorials will be at the cost of the owner of the burial site. Acme Township does not provide or install foundations or monuments, markers, or memorials.
What are the guidelines for the Acme and Yuba cemetery grounds?
No grading, leveling or excavating upon a burial space shall be allowed without the permission of the Acme Township Clerk. Surfaces other than earth or sod are prohibited. The Cemetery Manager, at the direction of the Township Clerk, shall have the right and authority to remove and dispose of any and all overgrowth, emblems, displays, or containers that through decay, deterioration or damage have become unsightly, a source of litter, or a maintenance problem. All refuse of any kind or nature including dried flowers, wreaths, papers, and flower containers must be removed or deposited in containers located within the cemeteries. All questions or concerns pertaining to the cemetery grounds should be directed to the Acme Township Clerk at 231-938-1350.
Who should be contacted if a marker is sinking and needs to be raised?
If grave markers are sinking and need to be raised, contact the Acme Township Clerk’s office and provide the following information regarding the plot needing attention: cemetery, lot and plot number, and name of person buried in the plot.
What can be planted on grave plots and are hanging baskets and urns allowed?
No shrubs, trees or vegetation of any type shall be planted. All planting of flowers must be approved by the Township Clerk. Before placement on the burial plot, the Acme Township Clerk must approve hanging baskets, planters, and urns on a burial site. The Township Cemetery Manager or the Township Clerk may have any or all of the foregoing items removed if prior approval is not sought. Mounds hindering the free use of a lawn mower or other gardening apparatus are prohibited.
Who is responsible for maintaining shrubs and trees that are encroaching upon a grave?
The Township Board reserves the right to remove or trim any tree, plant or shrub located within the cemetery in the interest of maintaining proper appearance and use of the cemetery.
Can vacant cemetery lots or plots be forfeited back to the township?
Cemetery lots or burial spaces sold after the effective date of the township ordinance (June 6, 1983), and remaining vacant forty years from the date of their sale shall automatically revert to the Township upon occurrence of the following events:
- A notice shall be sent by the Township Clerk via First Class mail to the last known address of the last owner of record informing them of the expiration of the 40 year period and that all rights with respect to said lots or plots will be forfeited if he/she does not affirmatively indicate in writing to the Township Clerk within 60 days from the date of mailing of the notice their desire to retain said burial rights.
- No written response to said notice is received by the Township Clerk from the last owner of record of said lots or plots or his or her heirs or legal representative within sixty days from the date of mailing of said notice, indicating a desire to retain the cemetery lots or plots in question.
If cemetery grounds are misused, can the Township take legal action?
Yes. Any person, firm or corporation who violates any of the provisions of the Cemetery Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of up to one hundred dollars ($100.00) and/or up to 90 days in jail, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. Any persons using the cemetery for parking of motor vehicles other than for cemetery related functions and purposes such as funeral attendance, maintaining plots and the cemetery grounds, or to visit a specific grave site, will be considered in violation of the Township Cemetery Ordinance and be subject to misdemeanor charges as per the Cemetery Ordinance.
Please contact Clerk Lisa Swanson or Cristy Danca (231.938.1350, [email protected]) with any questions.
