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A second survey was conducted of indigent burial and cremation policies of surrounding counties <br />in comparison with Indian River County. Per Administrative Policy 908.1, the County's rate of <br />reimbursement to a funeral home for the provision of services is $425. This rate is the lowest <br />among counties surveyed and it is one-fourth the average cost of a direct cremation in the County. <br />County <br />Date of Policy <br />County Cost <br />Brevard <br />05/03/2016 <br />$450 <br />Indian River <br />11/22/2011 <br />$425 <br />Okeechobee <br />04/13/2006 <br />$575 <br />Martin <br />08/21/2020 <br />$500 <br />St. Lucie <br />1 11/12/2020 <br />1 $750 <br />ANALYSIS: <br />Upon analysis of the surrounding Counties, staff recommends updating the indigent burial and <br />cremation fee in the Administrative Policy Manual 908.1 from $425 to $750, which is an increase <br />of $325, or 76.5%, per burial. <br />Cremations <br />$425 <br />Current Rate <br />$750 <br />Proposed Rate <br />Budget <br />Increase <br />49 (10 -year avg.) <br />$20,825 <br />$36,750 <br />$15,925 <br />52(projected FY23 <br />$22,100 <br />$39,000 <br />$16,900 <br />FUNDING: <br />Funding is budgeted and available in the General Fund/Human Services/Indigent Burial Costs <br />account, number 00121164-033171, with $11,825 remaining in the current fiscal year. Should <br />indigent burials exceed the amount funded in FY 2022/23, a budget amendment will be necessary. <br />Account Name <br />Account Number <br />Remaining Budget <br />General Fund/Human Services/Indigent Burial Costs <br />00121072-033171 <br />$11,825 <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners update the Disposal of Indigent Bodies <br />Policy by increasing the rate of reimbursement to funeral homes for cremation services and <br />authorize necessary budget amendments, if needed. <br />47 <br />