CemOps Frequently Asked Questions
What is involved in a pre purchase due diligence investigation?
The first step is checking the records inside the office, whether electronic or
handwritten or both.
The records are looked into for obvious errors, whiteout, and inconsistencies
relative to cross reference
among all internal records. These records will consist of family files, lot books,
interment cards, property books, etc. During this process, information is extracted
from the existing Office Manager, determining any additional inclinations of
continued need for records investigation. This portion can take up to two days.
During Phase 2 of this visit, a sampling of those records are now taken out into the
cemetery to insure
what is shown internally actually agrees with the burials in the cemetery gardens.
Looking to find any burials not in their rightful location, markers installed properly,
etc. At this time, lot pins are checked to make sure there aren't too many missing,
that they are readable, and properly positioned based on lot sizes and grave sizes.
This will also let you know if you have encroachment issues with existing burials.
One desired outcome of this phase is the Maintenance Superintendent will be
engaged to assist with this portion, learning also if there are issues relative to the
maintenance function.
Phase 3 is a visit with Family Service Personnel, to extract any information useful
regarding the manner in which sales have been conducted and if there are any
Interment Verification Procedures in place. Also, to insure proper maps are
available and being utilized. Sound sales practices, or the lack thereof, can be
very telling as to possible liabilities for the new owner.
Finally, a compilation of all information gathered with appropriate
recommendations for the prospective new owner, giving them the necessary
information to make a more informed decision and/or negotiate a proper price. As
a bonus, the maintenance equipment is inventoried and inspected for proper
preventive maintenance and operating condition.
This entire process should take one week for the average condition of a cemetery.
If issues of a concerning level are discovered, the prospective owner would be
notified of concerns and whether they would choose to investigate further.
What does this service cost?
The typical due diligence investigation costs just a fraction of the costs of issues
discovered too late. This cost is easily justified with best information so you can
make a more informed investment decision. It is most easily justified by savings in
your negotiated purchase price. If you can negotiate a savings, based on this
investigation, of $150,000.00 or more it would be worth it. Another consideration
is factoring in your decision, any liabilities you may suffer beyond the purchase.
Knowledge is power.
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What does remediation mean?
By far the most intense investigation and correction methods available. Contact
CemOps for a plan of action for your particular location.
How do I know if my cemetery needs an audit to discover if remediation is
necessary?
If your records are old and in poor condition; if you know of at least 2 wrongful
burials; if you are missing more than 2 pins in any given area within the cemetery;
if you have had difficulty making burials due to encroachments; if you have found
double sold spaces; if you have found sold spaces that are not in inventory; these
are just to name a few. Just about every cemetery in the country can answer yes
to some of these. If you can too, we should talk.
Is a discovery audit expensive?
Absolutely not. The first step is a telephone audit. This is very inexpensive and
will identify if there is any need for further services or further investigation. A
general discovery audit takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the size of your
organization and the type answers given during the audit.
What can I expect an audit/remediation to accomplish for my cemetery?
If, and only if, a remediation is necessary-a complete investigation on site of all
records related to burial and pre need sales-vs-garden lot books or owner cards
(whatever type records you may have) is in order. Once completed, all records will
be corrected and issues identified so an action plan can be established. Even if a
remediation is not recommended, invaluable records keeping practices can
prevent any further occurrences that may result in future problems. Checklists for
operational integrity are offered regardless of the level of service needed to keep
the processes simple for everyone involved. In depth training is then
accomplished with all personnel to insure compliance with applicable local law
and best case practices.
What does CemOps offer crematories for compliance?
Through experience and knowledge of best practices as well as state laws, we
can offer you records keeping, checklist practices, and practical applications to
insure all operations are clean and precise. We also assist with best practices
related to equipment cleaning and processing standards. Identification standards
are covered in depth to insure proper ID prior to pushing the button.
Our crematory and cemetery never get inspected, why would we need an audit?
We don't suggest anyone get too comfortable with this type operating principal.
Most states have auditors now. Those that don't will have soon. The federal
government has served notice they intend to pursue some type control within our
industry given media attention. It is only a matter of time before some form of
regulation takes hold. We strongly suggest getting ahead of the curve and
insuring an official audit doesn't turn into a nightmare for you. We will provide you
with documentation for auditory agencies, showing your interest in keeping your
location updated and compliant.
Management Contracts Are Available-What Application?
Municipal cemeteries may be looking to privatize. If so, a management contract
may be the best option.
When owners find themselves falling on hard times, the last thing they might
consider is bringing in a group to assist them in bringing their business back to
prominence. They might think they cannot afford services of this type.
Actually the opposite is true. When you find yourself in hard times, it is time to
get the help you need. If you wait until those times get you to a point of
insolvency, that may be when it is approaching too late.
With over 90 years experience, CemOps can come to your location/s and
perform an audit visit to see where you have been, where you are, how you got
there and how you can move forward to save your business and reputation.
The costs of this service are far less expensive than loosing your business
dream or reputation.
If you are a State Board or Association and know of an industry location that is
struggling, calling CemOps prior to actions being taken could also show a
proactive approach to solutions rather than the typical reactive approaches.
CemOps understands operating a business in this profession can be quite
complex, and at times can be larger than expected.
Calling CemOps could be the best call you could make, regardless of which
side of an issue you are on.
Municipal cemeteries may be looking to privatize. If so, a management contract
may be the best option.
When owners find themselves falling on hard times, the last thing they might
consider is bringing in a group to assist them in bringing their business back to
prominence. They might think they cannot afford services of this type.
Actually the opposite is true. When you find yourself in hard times, it is time to
get the help you need. If you wait until those times get you to a point of
insolvency, that may be when it is approaching too late.
With over 90 years experience, CemOps can come to your location/s and
perform an audit visit to see where you have been, where you are, how you got
there and how you can move forward to save your business and reputation.
The costs of this service are far less expensive than loosing your business
dream or reputation.
If you are a State Board or Association and know of an industry location that is
struggling, calling CemOps prior to actions being taken could also show a
proactive approach to solutions rather than the typical reactive approaches.
CemOps understands operating a business in this profession can be quite
complex, and at times can be larger than expected.
Calling CemOps could be the best call you could make, regardless of which
side of an issue you are on.
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What is a forensic inspection?
A completely in depth inspection of existing burial information, which can
include an exploratory excavation of a site to determine the status of burial of
human remains. The term forensic is applicable to a new in depth approach
toward determining the history of an area within a cemetery, coupled with
local records or the lack thereof.
A completely in depth inspection of existing burial information, which can
include an exploratory excavation of a site to determine the status of burial of
human remains. The term forensic is applicable to a new in depth approach
toward determining the history of an area within a cemetery, coupled with
local records or the lack thereof.