Kansas regulators want to be able to put a new sign in front of a troubled Hutchison cemetery: Under New Management! And, it would please the state of Kansas and the city of Hutchison if that new management team does not include them.
State and local officials appreciate that the grave lot owners, and the community, are better served by keeping cemetery ownership in the private sector. So, when the operator’s noncompliance threatens the cemetery’s viability, regulators must act, or eventually face the liabilities of running the cemetery.
Some Hutchison citizens may be puzzled why the recent plea does not include mandatory time. Getting the cemetery into the hands of a reputable operator has a higher priority, and the old owner’s cooperation may be needed. Fulfilling preneed contracts and addressing permanent maintenance trust deficiencies will better serve the Hutchison community.
The Kansas regulators must now find a suitable successor.