Paris, Tenn.–Approximately three years ago the City of Paris passed an ordinance regarding city-owned cemeteries and what is and is not allowed to be placed in the city owned cemeteries. Additionally, City of Paris Cemetery Rules signs were placed in the cemeteries in an attempt to educate the public about the rules.
At the time, city officials hoped the rules would be followed and the ordinance would not have to be enforced.
In a press release issued Monday morning, City Manager Kim Foster said, “Unfortunately, maintenance of the cemeteries has become very cumbersome and, in some cases, impossible because of the amount of memorabilia placed around graves and headstones.”
Foster said, “We are to a point where we simply cannot continue to maintain the beautiful appearance of our cemeteries because of all the flowers and tokens placed in such a way as to make it impossible to keep the grass cut close to the stones. This allows weeds to grow and cut grass to pile up and accumulate. The resulting appearance is not what we want for our cemeteries. I don’t think people realize what happens when a weed eater accidentally hits a silk flower arrangement. It’s like an explosion, petals go everywhere! It’s extremely time consuming to clean up and we simply don’t have the staff to micromanage this type of environment.”
Foster is working with Parks and Recreation employees Joel Crosno and Gary Paschall, who maintain the cemeteries, on a plan to get the cemeteries in compliance with the city ordinance. The first step will be to remove all items (flowers, flags, figurines, shepherd hooks, fencing etc.) not attached to a stone or the base of a stone.
“The last mowing of the season will be the last week of October. Individuals have between now and then to remove anything placed around a grave that they would like to keep. Items left after Oct. 24 will be removed by our staff.” said Foster. The cemetery staff will work with families who have things other than stones marking the resting places of family members.
If you have specific questions or concerns, or if you would like a copy of the cemetery rules, you may contact City Hall at 731-641-1402 to be put in touch with the appropriate staff.