Indigent Funeral Fund Increase Sought

Broome County is asking for more money to pay for the burial/cremation of people with no financial resources.

County officials say they have submitted a resolution calling on New York State to appropriate additional funds for indigent burial programs.

Local funeral home directors have expressed concerns about the ability to have respectful burials for the indigent.

Currently, counties in the state spend at least $900 on burial/cremation services and are reimbursed $639, or 29%.  The remaining balance is covered by tax dollars.

Last year, Broome County spent $332,311 on indigent burials and was reimbursed $46,197 by the state.

The resolution has cleared the County Administration Committee and is expected to be considered by the full legislature next week