LAFCO
Selma Cemetery
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
SELMA CEMETERY DISTRICT
MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE
Report to the
Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission
MSR 17-13 / SOI-181
David E. Fey, Executive Officer
George W. Uc, Senior Analyst
Juan Lara, Analyst II
Amanda Graham, Office Assistant
Derek Sylvester, Intern
2607 Fresno Street, Suite B
Fresno, CA 93721
October 11, 2017
SELMA CEMETERY DISTRICT
Burial and interment of human remains
Contact Information
Manager: Sandi Miller, General Manager
Address: 2430 Floral Avenue
Selma, Ca 93662
Phone: (559) 896-2412
Website: http://www.selmacem1.com/
Management Information
District formation: 1927
Principal act: Health and Safety code section 9000 et seq., Public Cemetery District Law
Special district powers: Prescribed in Health and Safety code sections 9040-9056
LAFCo
Authorized services:1 Own, improve, and maintain cemeteries and provide interment of human
remains
Governing body: Five-Member Board of Trustees appointed by Fresno Count BOS, District 4
Board members: Appointed Expires
Robert L. Allen, Chairman 04/09/2013 01/04/2021
Una Tristan, Vice Chairman 04/09/2013 01/06/2020
Ronald Baker 05/08/2003 01/03/2018
Alfonso Caro 03/06/2012 01/04/2021
Alan Langstraat 05/22/2012 01/07/2019
Board meetings: Held on the 4th Tuesday, of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the District office.2
Staffing: Five full-time employees and one part-time employee
Service Information
Population served: 27,440, estimate
Acres served: 26,091 acres
Infrastructure: Three noncontiguous cemeteries, office building, machinery and equipment
Fiscal Information
Budget: $3,296,465
Sources of funding: Annual property taxes, endowment, burial plots, and service fees
Rate structure: Fee schedule, plot fee, and endowment
Administrative Policies
Master plan: Yes Policies/Procedures: Yes SOI formed: 1987
SOI Updated: 2016 Other: Member of California Association of Public Cemeteries
California Special District Association
California Special District Association, Central Valley Local Chapter
Public Cemetery Alliance
1 Pursuant to Government Code sec. 56425(i).
2 2430 Floral Avenue, Selma, Ca 93662.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
2
Table of Contents
1. MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW ........................................................................................................ 6
Principal Act ............................................................................................................................................... 6
District Service Area ................................................................................................................................... 6
Authorized District Services ....................................................................................................................... 7
Fresno LAFCo MSR Policy Designation ....................................................................................................... 7
District Growth and Population Projections .............................................................................................. 8
Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ........................................................................................ 10
District Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................. 12
District Finances ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Public Facilities, Opportunities for shared Facilities ................................................................................ 16
Government Accountability ..................................................................................................................... 17
Any Other Matters Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ..................................................... 19
2. MSR DETERMINATIONS ................................................................................................................ 20
3. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE ............................................................................................... 24
4. RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 26
5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................. 26
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
3
Figure one-District map
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
4
Figure two-DUC Map
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
5
1 . MUNICIPAL SERVICE RE VIEW
PRINCIPAL ACT
The California Legislature authorized the creation of public cemetery districts in 1909 through
California Public Cemetery District Law, (Health and Safety Code section 9000 et seq.). This law
was revised in its entirety and recodified effective January 1, 2004. The California Public
Cemetery District Law provides broad statutory authority for public cemetery districts to own,
improve, expand, and operate public cemeteries. 3
The Selma Cemetery District (“District”) was formed in 1927 to provide burial and interment of
human remains to meet the cultural, economic, religious, and social needs within the Selma
area. The District is an independent special district governed by a five-member board of
trustees. The Fresno County Supervisor representing District 4 appoints eligible trustees to four-
year terms. Candidates eligible to serve as trustees must be a registered voter and resident
within the District’s boundaries. The board of trustees is solely responsible for all aspects of the
District. State legislation authorizes the board of trustees to appoint a general manager to
oversee the District’s daily operations. The District general manager is assisted by five full-time
employees.
DISTRICT SERVICE AREA
The District is solely within County of Fresno overlying the City of Selma and a fraction of City of
Parlier’s western edge. The District’s jurisdictional boundaries are generally bounded by Adams
Avenue to the north, Peach Avenue to the west, Clarkson Avenue to the south, and Academy
Avenue to the east, as shown on Figure 1. The District’s sphere of influence and service area are
conterminous, and encompasses 26,091 acres.
The District’s jurisdictional boundaries abut with Fowler Cemetery District and Sanger-Del Rey
Cemetery to the north edge, Parlier Cemetery District to the east, Kingsburg Cemetery District
to the south. There are no public cemetery districts’ jurisdictional boundaries abutting the
District’s western edge; however, land west of the District is identified within the SOIs of
Washington Colony Cemetery District and Oak Grove Cemetery District.
Unlike most other special districts, cemetery districts do not hold a monopoly on services they
provide within their jurisdictional boundaries. Private cemeteries, both religious and secular,
can and do compete with public cemeteries particularly in more urbanized areas. As such,
various private cemeteries can exist inside the jurisdictional boundaries of a public cemetery
district.
Classified street access through the District’s service area include State Route (SR) 99, SR 43,
McCall Avenue, West Mountain View Avenue, Manning Avenue, and Conejo Avenue. State
Route 41 is located within 10 miles west of the District, while SR 180 is located within 20 miles
north of the District.
3 Health and Safety Code (HSC) section 9000.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
6
AUTHORIZED DISTRICT SERVICES
Under Government Code (GC) section 56425(i), “when adopting, amending, or updating a
sphere of influence for a special district, the commission shall establish the nature, location, and
extent of any functions or classes of services provided by existing districts.” LAFCo observes that
the scope of District services is set forth in Public Cemetery District Law, wherein a cemetery
district is authorized by its principal act to exercise all rights and power, expressed or implied
under HSC section 9040-9056. A cemetery district may own, operate, improve, and maintain
cemeteries and provide interment services within its boundaries. The District has exclusive
jurisdiction and control over its facilities maintenance and management. According to District’s
principal act, public cemeteries have broad authority to exercise the following powers:
To acquire by purchase, eminent domain, grant, gift, lease any real property;
To sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property ;
To donate any surplus real or personal property to any public agency or nonprofit
organizations;
Engage necessary employees, to define their qualifications and duties, and to provide a
schedule of compensation for performance of their duties;
To engage counsel and other professional services;
To enter into and perform all necessary contracts;
To adopt and enforce rules and regulations for the administration, maintenance,
operation, and use of cemeteries;
To enter joint powers agreements;
To appoint advisory committees to make recommendations for the ownership,
improvement, expansion, and the operation of cemeteries owned by the district and the
provision of interment services; and
Burial and interment of human remains.
FRESNO LAFCO MSR POLICY DESIGNATION
A Municipal Service Review (MSR) is required in order to prepare or update a local agency’s
sphere of influence. It is LAFCO’s observation that many special districts within Fresno County
typically do not request or experience modifications to their service area or request an update
or revisions to the Commission’s adopted SOI for the subject agency.
While the Commission is not required by law to make any changes to a SOI, the Commission
may, at its discretion, opt to reaffirm, expand, delete a SOI, or approve, deny, or approve with
conditions any changes of organization or reorganization impacting the governmental agency as
a result of the information gathered during the MSR update process.4
In accordance with GC sec. 56066, Fresno County is the principal county. Fresno LAFCo is
responsible for updating the SOI for the District consistent with GC sec. 56425(g). In order to
update the agency’s SOI, Fresno LAFCo has prepared this service review consistent with GC sec.
56430.
4 Fresno Local Agency Commission – Policy 107 – Municipal Service Review Policy.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
7
DISTRICT GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS
In this section of the MSR, demographic information gathered from the US Census - American
Community Survey (ACS) five-year reports for the 2011-2014 period, as well as land use policy
documents adopted by the land use authorities is used to estimate population growth within
the District’s service area.
Geographic Information System (GIS) files were derived from the U.S. Census Bureau to
estimate a current population for territory inside the District. According to the ACS U.S. census
tracts/block group units located within the District, there is an estimated total population of
27,440 people inside the District’s boundaries.5 These population estimates do not exactly
match the boundaries of the District, but provides a basis for reviewing possible future demands
for cemetery services in the areas served by the District.
The City of Selma is located entirely within the District as well as a portion of the City of Parlier.
The balance of the District’s service area is unincorporated and in rural residential and
agricultural land uses. The bulk of the District’s population is inside the Cities of Selma and of
the City of Parlier’s Westside.
Within the District’s service area, the County of Fresno is the land use authority for
unincorporated territory, and the Cities of Fowler and Parlier are the land use authorities within
their respective incorporated territories.
The Fresno County General Plan designates a majority of the land within the District for
agricultural uses with the exception of the Cities of Selma and Parlier. The City of Selma’s
General Plan designates urban uses for the area inside the Selma SOI. Likewise, the City of
Parlier’s general plan designates urban uses for the land in the southwest area of the City and its
SOI. The City of Parlier’s SOI overlaps 1,340 acres with the District, while only approximately
230 acres of Parlier’s city limits are inside the District service area. The Parlier/District overlap
occurs west of Academy Avenue and south of Manning Avenue.
Unincorporated Fresno County
The Fresno County General Plan designates a majority of the land within the District for
agricultural uses with the exception of the incorporated areas.
The Fresno Council of Governments (COG) provides growth projections for Fresno County and
the spheres of influence of each of its cities between 2015 and 2050. The Fresno COG forecasts
a 0.4 percent annual population growth rate assumption to forecast population growth in
unincorporated areas outside of cities SOIs.6 According the Fresno County general plan, rural
settlement areas surrounded by agricultural and open space have historically experienced little
5Calculated population by LAFCo based on nine US census tracts, 18 block group units within the District.
August 11, 2017.
6Table 21- Projection of Total Population: Fresno County and Local Jurisdictions: 2015-2050, Fresno
County 2050 Growth Projections, Fresno Council of Governments,
http://www.fresnocog.org/sites/default/files/publications/RTP/2018_RTP/Fresno_COG_2050_Projections
_Final_Report_050417.pdf.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
8
growth since their establishments. Substantial population growth in these areas is not
anticipated in the future.7
City of Selma
City of Selma is the only fully incorporated area within the District’s service area. The City of
Selma’s incorporated boundaries amount to 3,283 acres, while the Selma SOI encompasses
8,154 acres. There are 4,871 acres within the Selma SOI suitable for future urban development.
According to the U.S. Census information, the City of Selma has an estimated population of
24,017 people and a housing stock of 6,984 units.8
According to the Selma 2035 General Plan, Selma anticipates reaching a population of 64,600 by
2035 based on an average four percent growth rate per year, or 50,250 people at a three
percent annual growth rate.
As previously noted, the Fresno Council of Governments (COG) provides growth projections for
Fresno County and the spheres of influence of each of its cities between 2015 and 2050. The
Fresno COG projects a 0.9% growth rate for areas within the City of Selma’s SOI. According to
Fresno COG’s estimates, the City of Selma is anticipated to reach a population of 28,250 by
2020. Fresno COG further projects that Selma would reach a population of 32,640 by 2035, and
36,550 by 2050.9
City of Parlier
The City of Parlier’s incorporated boundaries amount to 1,499 acres, while the Parlier SOI
encompasses 5,516 acres. There are 4,017 acres within the Parlier SOI suitable for future urban
development. Approximately 1,340 acres of Parlier SOI overlaps with the District’s service area.
At the time this service review was prepared, only 230 acres of Parlier’s city limits were inside
the District’s service area.
According to the U.S. Census information, the City of Parlier has an estimated population of
14,870 people and a housing stock of 3,844 units.10 The city area overlapping with the District
consists of sporadic rural residential units, and the Parlier’s wastewater treatment plant situated
near the Bethel Avenue and Dinuba Avenue intersection.
The Fresno COG projects a 0.8% growth rate for areas within the Parlier SOI. According to
Fresno COG’s estimates, the City of Parlier is anticipated to reach a population of 15,870 by
7 County of Fresno, General Plan Agriculture and Land Use Element, page 2-26.
8 U.S. Census, American Fact Finder – American Community Survey 5 year estimates, 2011-15, Selma City,
California. Accessed, July 31, 2017.
9 Table 21- Projection of Total Population: Fresno County and Local Jurisdictions: 2015-2050, Fresno
County 2050 Growth Projections, Fresno Council of Governments,
http://www.fresnocog.org/sites/default/files/publications/RTP/2018_RTP/Fresno_COG_2050_Projections
_Final_Report_050417.pdf.
10 U.S. Census, American Fact Finder – American Community Survey 5 year estimates, 2011-15, Parlier
City, California. Accessed, July 31, 2017.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
9
2020. Fresno COG further projects that Parlier would reach a population of 18,040 by 2035, and
19,980 by 2050.11
District Interment Rate
Health and Safety Code identifies those authorized to be interred in a cemetery district’s
facilities.12 The deceased must have been a resident or taxpayer of the district, or former
resident or taxpayer of the district who purchased burial plots prior to leaving the area. Family
members are eligible for interment, but are limited to spouses, parents, grandparents, children,
and siblings.
Qualified non-residents may be interred in any cemetery in the District providing the trustees
have determined there is adequate space available to meet the foreseeable needs of the District
and a non-resident fee is paid. In addition, any person not otherwise eligible may be interred in
a District cemetery if private facilities are not available within a radius of 15 miles of the
deceased’s residence. The District informed LAFCo that petitioning non-residents are also
required to have a family member already interred in any of the District’s facilities to qualify as a
non-resident burial.
The District informed LAFCo that it annually averages 161 to 180 interments. The District’s
Floral Memorial Cemetery encompasses approximately 25.6 acres, of which approximately 23
acres are developed with burial sites. The Floral Memorial Cemetery site has approximately 2.6
acres of land available for future burial plot expansions.13 The District estimates that its existing
cemetery sites will reach full capacity in the next five to eight years, circa 2025.
Communication with the District indicates that it has no plans to request an SOI expansion or
annex any future territory into the District. The District’s growth is restricted on all sides by
other similar cemetery districts. LAFCo expects that growth of District facilities will occur
through expansion of its existing facilities or the purchase/lease of real property within the
District boundaries.
DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH) requires LAFCo
to make determinations regarding "disadvantaged unincorporated communities" ("DUCs") when
considering a change of organization, reorganization, SOI expansion, and when conducting
municipal service reviews.
For any updates to a SOI of a local agency (city or special district) that provides public facilities or
services related to sewer, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire protection, the
11 Table 21- Projection of Total Population: Fresno County and Local Jurisdictions: 2015-2050, Fresno
County 2050 Growth Projections, Fresno Council of Governments,
http://www.fresnocog.org/sites/default/files/publications/RTP/2018_RTP/Fresno_COG_2050_Projections
_Final_Report_050417.pdf.
12 HSC section 9060-9069.
13 Combined Acreage – North Selma Cemetery and Selma Cemetery Sites, APNs- 388-020-71T and 358-
090-23T.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
10
Commission shall consider and prepare written determinations regarding the present and
planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or
deficiencies for any disadvantaged unincorporated community within or contiguous to the SOI
of a city or special district.
GC sec. 56033.5 defines a DUC as: i) all or a portion of a “disadvantaged community” as defined
by sec. 79505.5 of the Water Code (territory with an annual median household income (MHI)
that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income and as defined in
GC sec. 56046 and WC sec. 79505.5); and a status of ii) “inhabited territory” (12 or more
registered voters), as defined by GC sec. 56046, or as determined by Commission policy. Fresno
LAFCo policy further refines the definition of a DUC as having at least 15 dwelling units at a
density not less than one unit per acre.
Geographic Information System (GIS) files were derived from the US Census Bureau's American
Community Survey (ACS) compiled for the five-year period 2010-2014 to identify the
demographic composition for the various census geographies. Although the ACS provides
annual and three-year estimates, the five-year reports between years 2010-2014 provide more
precise data and mapping information for analyzing small populations. The five-year reports are
the most reliable form of information generated by the US Census bureau.14 The statewide MHI
reported for years 2010 through 2014 was $61,489. Hence, the calculated threshold for a DUC
is any geographic unit with a reported MHI that is less than $49,191. The census block group
data was utilized to provide the economic and population backgrounds for this section of the
MSR.
There are seven areas inside the District boundaries that satisfy two or more DUC indicators.15
The following information identifies the areas of concern:
Area 1 is located north of East Dinuba Avenue at the intersection with South Shaft
Avenue. The DUC consists of approximately 130 residential parcels located within US
census tract 70.03 block group 1. The US Census ACS five-year estimate reports indicate
that census tract 70.03-block group 1 had a MHI of $45,921 between years 2010-2014.
The entire census tract 70.03 block group 1 boundaries encompass approximately 698
households with a population of 2,632 people.
Area 2 is located south of East Dinuba Avenue and east of Leonard Avenue, west of Area
1. The DUC consists of approximately 131 parcels located within US census tract 70.03
block group 1. Sewer treatment in this area is provided by Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler
County Sanitation, however this area has not been formally annexed into the District.
LAFCo identifies this area as “out-of-District boundary customers” meaning, that these
parcels are receiving District service without the benefit of LAFCo’s authorization.
Area 3 is located south of East Manning Avenue and west of McCall Avenue. The DUC
consists of approximately 17 parcels located within US census tract 70.03 block group 1.
Area 4 is located at the intersection of McCall Avenue and Blaine Avenue. The DUC
consists of approximately 21 parcels located within US census tract 71.00 block group 3.
14 US Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov/acs/www/guidance_for_data_users/estimates/.
15 Fresno LAFCO DUC Policy – 106.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
11
The U.S. Census ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that census tract 71.00 block
group 3 had a MHI of $36,111 between years 2010-2014. The entire census tract 71.00
block group 3 boundaries encompass approximately 200 households with a population
of 539 people.
Area 5 is located near the intersection of E. Floral and Temperance Avenues,
approximately one mile and a half west of the City of Selma limits. The DUC consists of
approximately 22 parcels located in census tract 73.00 block group 2. The US Census
ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that census tract 73.00 block group 2 had a MHI
of $48,409 between years 2010-2014. Although the DUC is substantially smaller that
the census geographic unit, the entire census tract 73.00 block group 2 boundaries
encompass approximately 372 households with a population of 1,320 people.
Area 6 is located along Floral Avenue between the Sunnyside Avenue alignment
extending east past Fowler Avenue. The DUC consists of approximately 28 parcels
located in two census tracts: Census tract 73.00 block group 2 and census tract 73.00
block group 1. The U.S. Census ACS five-year estimate reports indicate that census tract
73.00 block group 2 had a MHI of $48,409 between years 2010-2014 and census tract
73.00 block group 1, had a MHI of $41,250 for the same period. Although the DUC is
substantially smaller than the census geographic unit boundaries, census tract 73.00-
block group 2 data indicates that this unit contains approximately 372 households with a
population of 1,320 people, while census tract 73.00-block group 1 encompasses
approximately 254 households with a population of 714 people.
Area 7 is located outside of the City of Parlier west of South Academy Avenue and south
East Manning Avenue. The DUC consists of 16 unincorporated rural parcels consisting of
approximately 21 dwelling units. Parlier’s city limits are immediately north of the DUC
area. The DUC area is located inside U.S. Census tract 85.01-block group 1. Between
2010 through 2014, this area of concern reported an MHI of $29,600. The census block
group is geographically larger than the specific DUC area; however, available data shows
that census tract 85.01-block group 1 reported an approximate population of 1,258
people.
District services are limited to interment and maintenance of its public facilities. For the
purpose of this MSR, the DUC is located within Selma Cemetery District and is eligible to receive
Selma Cemetery District services. LAFCo presumes that, for the purpose of this MSR, the DUCs
identified within District’s service area is presumed to be inhabited in the absence of a complete
application filed with Fresno LAFCo.
DISTRICT INFRASTRUCTURE
The District’s infrastructure consist of three noncontiguous cemetery facilities located within the
Selma area: Floral Memorial Cemetery, North Selma Cemetery and West Selma Cemetery. The
District office is located on the 18.7-acre Floral Memorial Cemetery facility located at 2430 Floral
Avenue, Selma, Ca 93662. The District’s North Selma Cemetery encompasses 6.9 acres situated
south of Floral Avenue and west of Thompson Avenue, immediately southwest of Floral
Memorial Cemetery.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
12
The District informed LAFCo that its North Selma Cemetery has reached interment capacity,
however the site’s newborn/infant section still has interment capacity to accept infant burials.
The Floral Memorial and North Selma Cemetery facilities are irrigated cemeteries with one
existing on-site underground well, respectively. The Floral Memorial Cemetery’s well is at a
depth of approximately 300-feet; well size and capacity information is currently unknown. The
District informed LAFCo that the well is powered with a 25-horsepower submersible pump.
Groundwater is drawn for irrigation purposes during the night hours, and the District follows the
City of Selma’s watering schedule. Water to the District office, public restrooms, and the
equipment shop is provided by the City of Selma via the California Water Company.
The District also owns Selma West Cemetery located north of Valley View Street and west of
Thompson Avenue. Selma West Cemetery encompasses approximately 5.5 acres, of which
nearly the entire property has been developed with burial sites. This facility site is an irrigated
cemetery with one above ground tank, tank size and mechanical capacity is relatively unknown.
Water to this site’s buildings and shop are plumbed to the City of Selma via California Water
Company.
The District estimates that its existing three cemetery sites will reach full capacity in the next
five to eight years, circa 2025.
The District’s irrigation schedule follows the City of Selma’s watering restrictions.16 The District
irrigates at night times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. During the dry years, the District
is conservative and reduces its watering schedule. The District informed LAFCo other than
irrigation time management and compliance with the City’s watering restrictions, it does not
track specific groundwater pumping data.
The District’s facilities are located within Selma city limits and inside the Consolidated Irrigation
District’s (CID) boundaries. The Selma Cemetery District does not receive water from CID but
pays an annual assessment to the CID in lieu of receiving CID water.
The District informed LAFCo that in 2014 it purchased a 17.7-acre agricultural parcel situated
south of East Nebraska Avenue and west of South Bethel Avenue.17 The 17-acre parcel is
approximately one mile east of the City of Selma. The parcel contains one existing rural
residential unit equipped with a residential/agriculture underground well and a septic tank
system. The District plans that this land will accommodate future interment demand in the
Selma vicinity. As planned, the District will developed this lot in two phases over a period of 20-
years; the land will have a future capacity of 30,000 burial plots and 264 columbarium niches.
In 2015, the District initiated the land use and environmental review process to secure a permit
from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. The District paid over $15,359 in land use
processing fees to Fresno County for the processing of the Initial Study No. 6948 and
16 City of Selma, Water Restrictions for Selma,
http://www.cityofselma.com/PDFs/Web%20Site%20Applications/WATER%20RESTRICTIONS%20FOR%20S
ELMA%202014.pdf.
17 APN 393-071-18.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
13
Unclassified Conditional Use Permit No. 3488.18 The CUP application was denied by the Fresno
County Planning Commission on September 10, 2015. On November 3, 2015, the Fresno County
Board of Supervisors denied the District’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s action.19
Several public concerns attributed to the District’s application denial. Among several concerns,
neighboring landowners were focused on the site’s incompatibility with surrounding agricultural
land uses. The neighboring property owners were concern that a proposed cemetery site would
disrupt agricultural operations, present a potential nuisance to farming operations, and farmers
would need to adjust spraying schedules to comply with public safety measures.
The District informed LAFCo that prior to purchasing the land, the District held various
community meetings to disclose to neighboring property owners of its interest to purchase the
lot planned to be used as a future cemetery facility. The District’s management met with local
residents over the course of several months and made the investment based on no opposition,
affordability and location. Nonetheless, the Fresno County land entitlement process was
unsuccessful. The District informed LAFCo during the MSR process that the District plans to
continue its search for a new cemetery location, will re-evaluate its potential options, and either
sell the property or retain the property and hold it in reserve.20 The District would likely to
consider buying land nearby or within the City of Selma; and, continue working with the Selma
community, Fresno County, City of Selma, and elected officials to inform and gain support to
build a new District cemetery site.
LAFCo observes that the 17.7-acre property will help meet future demand for burial spaces in
the Selma area; however, without approval of the land use authority, County of Fresno, the
District owns land not unauthorized for intended cemetery use. Although the District
anticipates that community opposition may follow anywhere the District decides to buy land,
District residents need to be aware that in eight to ten years there may not be enough
interment spaces available to purchase at the District’s cemetery facilities. At that point,
interments will likely have to be performed at a cemetery outside of the District or at a private
facility.
The District also owns vehicles, equipment and machinery needed to provide burial and
interment services. The District management maintains an equipment/machinery roster that
annually is reviewed by the general manager to identify potential maintenance needs,
replacements, or new investments.
DISTRICT FINANCES
This section of the MSR summarizes and evaluates financial information provided by District
management. The District provided its financial data to assist LAFCo staff determine whether
the District has sufficient revenue and financial systems in place to continue providing services
18 Fresno County Board of Supervisors, November 3, 2015, Hearing Board Agenda Item 6-Staff Report (File
No. 15-1627).
19 Fresno County Board of Supervisors, November 3, 2015, Hearing information, accessed August 8, 2017.
https://fresnocounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2504582&GUID=C56CA6D0-8E97-4F1E-964F-
6CD9ADF3C4D1&Options=&Search=.
20 August 21, 2017 LAFCo meeting with District General Manager.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
14
to its residents. The following information and analysis is based on the District’s annual budgets
and supportive documents made available to LAFCo.
Consistent with the requirements of its principal act, the District prepares and adopts an annual
budget on or before August 30th of each year.21 The District’s budget projects anticipated
revenues and expenditures using line items for the upcoming fiscal year. The District reports its
financial activities using two major governmental funds:
General Fund – the District’s major operation fund that accounts for all the agency’s
financial activities.
Endowment Care Fund – a legislatively mandated fund that accounts for maintenance
activities of District facilities.
Main Purchase Fund- the District maintains a separate reserve fund for major property
and equipment purchases.
The District’s primary source of revenue is the annual property tax charged to all parcels within
the District’s boundaries. The District receives its share of the 1% property tax based on its pre-
Proposition 13 level of taxation through the Fresno County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer–Tax
Collector. The District also receives revenue from plot sales, services rendered,
intergovernmental agreements, and land interest generated by sold plots, operation grant
funding, contributions, and capital grants.22
During fiscal year (FY) 2016-2017, the District budget amounted to $3,296,465. The District’s
expenditures amount to approximately $613,309. At the time this MSR was prepared, the
District’s budget showed $2,284,718 in its total reserves. The District had no outstanding long-
term loans or debt.
The District on average has approximately $186,226 in cash with the Fresno County Treasury,
and approximately $7,586 in cash deposits (Bank of America), approximately $35,182 as cash on
hand or deposits. The District’s annual total cash and equivalents totals $228,994.23
The District’s annual property tax revenue amounts to an average of approximately $184,514.
The District generates approximately $401,228 in fees and services and approximately $79,079
in interest earned from its bank accounts.
The District’s FY 2016-17 budget identifies several expenditures that are summarized in two
large categories: Employee salaries, benefits and expenditures. The District’s FY 2016-17 budget
show $407,863 under salaries and benefits, and $271,169 as total expenses. The District’s
salaries and benefits line item includes the District’s payroll, group health insurance, employee
retirement plans, workers compensation, retirement, and insurance costs. The District’s
expenditures line item allocates funding toward household expenses, liability insurance, and
facility maintenance and operational costs.
21 HSC sec. 9070-9079 et. seq.
22 Selma Cemetery District, Report on Audit of Financial Statement for Year Ended June 30, 2015.
23 Ibid.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
15
The District has annual audits performed by independent certified public accountants. The
audits are submitted to the Fresno County Auditor and State Controller consistent with Health
and Safety Code.
The District provided LAFCo with its most current independent financial statements for the year
ended on June 30, 2015, prepared by an Auditor-independent Certified Public Accountant. The
auditor’s report provides LAFCo an overview representation on the District’s financial practices.
According to the Audit, the District accounts are organized on the basis of fund accounting, and
it utilizes a “general fund” structure for its appropriations. Under fund accounting, different
types of District operations are accounted for in different funds, each with a separate set of self-
balancing accounts that comprise its assets, liabilities, fund balance, revenues and expenditures
as appropriate.
The auditor’s report indicates that at the time the financial audit was preformed, the District’s
financial practices conformed to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The District
has an established endowment fund that could be used to maintain burial lots and the cemetery
in perpetuity. The fund is financed from user fees.
The District has an established endowment fund. California law requires public cemetery
districts to maintain an Endowment Care Fund and to collect an endowment care contribution
for every interment right sold in a public district cemetery.24 The purpose of the Endowment
Care Fund is to create a fund, the principal of which may never be used for any purpose, but
which generates interest income, which is then used for the perpetual care and maintenance of
district cemeteries. Once deposits are made into the Endowment Care Fund, they can never be
withdrawn or refunded to contributors. The District shows approximately $1,203,830 in its
nonspendable and restricted fund balance at the time the financial audit was performed. The
fund earns interest each month, which is maintained in an unreserved account and is available
for the District; the interest balance for the unreserved portion is $1,370,168.25
The District also maintains a separate reserve fund for main purchases. The District identifies
this fund as its maintenance purchase fund that is strictly reserved for capital improvement
projects and property purchases. The District showed a Main Purchase Fund balance of
$557,106 at the time the District had its audited financials prepared.
PUBLIC FACILITIES, OPPORTUNITIES FOR SHARED FACILITIES
This section of the MSR considers the use of shared facilities, and their potential to offset costs
or promote greater efficiencies in service provisions within the region. The District’s boundaries
overlap with the following agencies:
City of Selma
City of Parlier
Selma Kingsburg Fowler County Sanitation District
Kings River Conservation District
Fresno County Fire Protection District
24 Health & Safety Code section 9065.
25 Selma Cemetery District, Report on Audit of Financial Statements for Year Ended, June 30, 2015.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
16
Consolidated Irrigation District
Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District
West Fresno County Red Scale District
Selma Health Care District
At the time this MSR was prepared, there were no apparent opportunities for potential sharing
of facilities with other agencies. It is noted that much of the work and equipment used in the
performance of the District’s duties is unique and specific to the District. In the past, the
District’s general manager has mentored and has provided staff assistance to neighboring public
cemetery districts that needed guidance and mentorship.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
This section of the MSR considers various topics, such as compliance with state disclosure laws,
the Brown Act, public participation, i.e. open meetings, accessible staff, election processes, and
the agency’s governing structure. Additionally, this section of the MSR considers the agency’s
level of participation with the Commission’s MSR program.
The California Legislature authorized the creation of public cemetery districts in 1909 through
California Public Cemetery District Law. The Public Cemetery District Law was revised in its
entirety and recodified effective January 1, 2004. California HSC section 9000 et seq. requires
each public cemetery district to have a board of trustees of at least three members to govern
the District’s operation. The Fresno County Supervisor from District four is responsible for
appointing persons who are registrar voters and residents within the District boundaries to
serve on the board. Each trustee is required to take the oath of office prior to being appointed
on the District’s Board, and file annual Form 700s – Statements of Economic Interests.
Fresno County is not responsible for providing any income or support to the District. Public
Cemetery District Law requires trustees to exercise their independent judgment on behalf of the
interests of the residents, property owners, and the public as a whole and to represent the
interests of the public as a whole and not solely the interests of the Board of Supervisors.26
The District is governed by a five-member board of trustees, and functions independently from
the County. The terms of trustees must be staggered by appointments to terms of less than
four years; otherwise, the term of office for trustees is four years.27
The current District board of trustees’ terms are staggered and are set to expire in consecutive
years in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Members of the board serve on the board as volunteers,
and do not receive a per diem for attending monthly meeting. The District reimburses travel
mileage and hospitality costs to its board members for attending professional development
conferences, District functions, and board member trainings workshops/seminars.
The major functions of the trustees is to set policy, define goals and objectives, and adopt rules
and regulations as the custodians of the District’s property. The board has one appointed
District General Manager to carry out District policy, direct the agency’s operations, provide
26 HSC section 9022.
27 HSC section 9024.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
17
daily supervision of staff and facilities, and administer the District’s expenditures. The District
General Manager is assisted by a part-time District Office Assistant, a Grounds Supervisor, and
three grounds persons. The District’s daily operations are performed by five full-time
employees and one part-time employee. The District has adopted policies that define the
District’s personnel structure and its administrative hierarchy. The District also has adopted
Rules and Regulations for its cemetery facilities for guests to adhere when visiting the District’s
facilities. A copy of the District’s Rules and Regulation are posted at the main entryway at each
cemetery facility.
The District has an official website (http://www.selmacem1.com/index.html) that provides a
wide array of District informational resources such as Board and Staff information, District Fees
Schedule, Board Meeting Information Agendas and Minutes, Annual District Budgets and
Audited Financial Statements, Rules and Regulations, and District Contact Information.
The District’s office hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding major holidays. The District office is closed Saturdays and Sundays. Regular board
meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each calendar month at 4:30 p.m. at the Selma Cemetery
District office located at 2430 Floral Avenue, Selma, CA 93662. The District board has the discretion to
shift the date, time and place of its regular board meetings provided that there is adequate notice
provided to the public. Special meetings may be called by the board chair or by a majority vote of the
board of trustees. All meeting of the board are noticed consisted with the Ralph M. Brown Act.
Prior to any District board meeting, the general manager prepares an agenda listing all items to be
transacted by the board as specified by the District’s Policy, and posted 72 hours in advance for public
review at the District office. Agendas for special meetings are posted at least 24 hours before the
meeting, and interested parties are contacted by District personnel. District board meetings are open
to the public. Each agenda includes an opportunity for the public to address the board on items not
on the agenda, and within the jurisdiction of the District. If a public member desires to present to the
board, the person should to contact the District Superintendent in advance. The District’s website
also provides upcoming board meeting information and archived board meeting agendas and
minutes.
As of January 1, 2004, statute requires that all public cemeteries adopt policies and procedures,
including bidding regulations, governing the purchase of supplies and equipment.28 The District
provided LAFCo a copy of the District’s rules and regulations. The District’s rules and regulations
identifies agency procedures as it relates to care of graves and cemetery grounds, burials, fees
and charges, legal provisions, and liabilities.
The District is a member of the California Association of Public Cemeteries (CAPC), California
Special District Association (CSDA), Public Cemetery Alliance (PCA) and active founding member
of the Central Valley Local Chapter of CSDA (CVLC). The CAPC serves and promotes cooperation
among California’s public cemeteries to stimulate the healthy development of local governance
by sharing emerging operation methods and procedures, share best practices information, share
quarterly newsletters, and to foster education of public cemetery boards and supporting
personnel.29 The CSDA is the association that provides a strong voice for all independent special
28 HSC section 9044(a).
29 California Association of Public Cemeteries, http://www.capc.info/about_CAPC.html, August 5, 2017.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
18
districts in the State by promoting legislative representation, educational resources, and special
district support and collaboration. The purpose of the PCA is also provide a source of
specializing services that relate directly to the operation of California Public Cemetery Districts
and to assist them in providing quality cemetery services within their respective communities.30
As of April 2017, the CVLC was formed which encompasses all of Fresno, Kings and Tulare
counties to provide a local forum for member districts to discuss and consider issues of
importance to special districts. The CVLC provides local workshops, educational seminars, and
programs of mutual interest and benefit to its members. CVLC is CSDA’s 14th affiliated chapter
in California.31
The District’s government structure is appropriate to ensure adequate services are provided and
managed. At the time preparing this MSR, the District’s government structure appears to be
adequately structured, operates, and fulfills its role as a services provider within the Selma area.
ANY OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO EFFECTIVE OR EFFICIENT
SERVICE DELIVERY
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
The District’s jurisdictional boundaries overlap with the Central Kings Groundwater
Sustainability Agency.32 During the preparation of this MSR, the District informed LAFCo that it
does not actively engage in groundwater recharge programs. However, the District currently
pays an annual assessment to the Consolidated Irrigation District that funds the CIDs efforts to
create water recharge programs. Under State statute, a GSA is responsible for developing and
implementing a groundwater sustainable plan (GSP) to meet the sustainability goal of the basin
to ensure that it is operated within its sustainable yield, without causing undesirable results.33
As such, LAFCo anticipates that within the next five years the local GSAs will work with all
cemeteries within the GSA boundaries that rely on groundwater pumping to establish recharge
programs to offset and balance groundwater usage within the groundwater table.
The CKGSA is comprised of Consolidated Irrigation District, Fresno County, Kings County, and
Tulare County, cities of Parlier, Selma, Kingsburg, Fowler, and Sanger. LAFCo anticipates that
Selma Cemetery District will be represented by various water management agencies such as
Consolidated Irrigation District, City of Selma, and Fresno County as it pertains to participation
with future recharge programs, and interaction with the CKGSA.34 The CKGSA and its member
agencies together will undertake the implementation of state legislation within the portion of
the Kings Sub basin underlying the GSA’s boundary.35
30 Public Cemetery Alliance, http://www.publiccemeteryalliance.com/ August 5, 2017
31Central Valley Local Chapter of CSDA, http://www.csda.net/about-csda/csda-chapters/central-valley-
local-chapter-csda/.
32California Department of Water Resources, SGMA Portal,
http://sgma.water.ca.gov/portal/gsa/print/211.
33California Department of Water Resources, SGM Sustainable Groundwater Management,
http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/gsa.cfm.
34LAFCo communication with CID General Manager, May 4, 2017.
35California Department of Water Resources, SGMA Portal, http://sgma.water.ca.gov/portal/gsa/all.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
19
2 . MSR DETERMINATIONS
This portion of the report addresses the factors specified in the governing statute for Municipal
Service Reviews and provides analysis in conformance with GC section 56425 and Fresno LAFCo
policy. Pursuant to GC section 56430, the Commission has prepared the following written
determinations.
1. GROWTH AND POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR THE AFFECTED
AREA
The City of Selma and a portion of the City of Parlier, are the only incorporated areas
located within the District. A substantial portion of the District service area is
unincorporated rural residential and agricultural land.
The County of Fresno is the land use authority for unincorporated territory inside the
District’s service area, and the Cities of Selma and Parlier are the land use authorities for
their respective incorporated territories.
According to the ACS U.S. census tracts/block group units located within the District,
there is an estimated total population of 27,440 people inside the District’s boundaries.
The City of Selma’s incorporated boundaries amount to 3,283 acres, while the Selma SOI
encompasses 8,154 acres. There are 4,871 acres within the Selma SOI suitable for
future urban development. The City of Selma anticipates reaching a population of
64,600 by 2035 based on an average four percent growth rate per year, or 50,250
people at a three percent annual growth rate.
The District informed LAFCo that it annually averages 161 to 180 interments. The
District’s Floral Memorial Cemetery encompasses approximately 25.6 acres, of which
approximately 23 acres are developed with burial sites. The Floral Memorial Cemetery
site has approximately 2.6 acres of land available for future burial plot expansions.
Communication with the District indicates that it has no plans to request an SOI
expansion or annex any future territory. LAFCo expects that District growth will occur
through expansion of its existing facilities or the purchase/lease of real property within
the District boundaries.
2. THE LOCATION OF AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ANY
DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITY WITHIN OR
CONTIGUOUS TO THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
LAFCo identified seven DUCs within the District’s boundaries as defined by Fresno LAFCo
policy during the preparation of this report.
District services are limited to burial and interment of human remains, setting of
headstones and maintenance of its public cemeteries. For the purposes of this section,
services provided by the District do not support growth or induce population growth.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
20
3. PRESENT AND PLANNED CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR DEFICIENCIES
The District’s infrastructure consist of three noncontiguous cemetery facilities located
within the Selma area; North Selma Cemetery, Floral Memorial Cemetery, and Selma
West Cemetery. The District office is located on the 18.7-acre Floral Memorial
Cemetery facility located at 2430 Floral Avenue, Selma, Ca 93662.
The District informed LAFCo that its North Selma Cemetery has reached interment
capacity, however the site’s newborn/infant area still has interment capacity to accept
infant burials. This facility site is an irrigated cemetery with one existing on-site
underground well at a depth of approximately 300-feet; well size and capacity
information is currently unknown.
Selma West Cemetery is located north of Valley View Street and West of Thompson
Avenue. West Cemetery encompasses approximately 5.5 acres, of which nearly all have
been developed with burial sites. This facility site is an irrigated cemetery with one
above ground tank, tank size and mechanical capacity is relatively unknown.
The District’s irrigation schedule follows the City of Selma’s watering restrictions. The
District irrigates at night times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The District estimates that its existing three cemetery sites will reach full capacity in the
next five to eight years, circa 2025.
The District informed LAFCo that in 2014 it purchased a 17.7-acre parcel situated south
of East Nebraska Avenue and west of South Bethel Avenue. The District plans that this
land will accommodate future interment demand in the Selma vicinity. As planned, the
District will developed this lot in two phases, and it will have a capacity of 30,000 burial
plots and 264 columbarium niches.
On November 3, 2015, the County Board of Supervisors motioned (4-1) to support the
denial of the appeal consistent with Fresno County Planning Commission September 10,
2015, recommendation to deny the District’s Unclassified Conditional Use Permit No.
3488 application request.
LAFCo observes that the 17.7-acre property will help meet future demand for burial
spaces in the Selma area; however, without approval of the land use authority, County
of Fresno, the District holds unauthorized land for cemetery use.
The District’s general manager annually reviews and identifies the District’s
infrastructure needs, repairs, and improvements expenditures and allocates funding for
the upcoming year.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
21
4. FINANCIAL ABILITY OF AGENCY TO PROVIDE SERVICES
Consistent with the requirements of its principal act, the District prepares and adopts an
annual budget on or before August 30th of each year. The District’s budget projects
anticipated revenues and expenditures using line items for the upcoming fiscal year.
The District’s primary source of revenue is the annual property tax charged to all parcels
within the District’s boundaries. The District receives its share the 1% property tax
based on its pre-Proposition 13 level of taxation through the Fresno County Auditor-
Controller/Treasurer–Tax Collector.
The District receives revenue from plot sales and services, intergovernmental
agreements, and land interest generated by sold plots, from fees charged for services
provided, operation grant funding, contributions, and capital grants.
The District’s financial practices conformed with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP).
During fiscal year (FY) 2016-2017, the District budget amounted to $3,296,465. The
District’s expenditures amount to approximately $613,309. At the time this MSR was
prepared, the District’s budget showed $2,284,718 in its total reserves. The District had
no outstanding long-term loans or debt.
The District has an established endowment fund. The District shows approximately
$1,203,830 in its nonspendable and restricted fund balance at the time the financial
audit was performed. The fund earns interest each month, which is maintained in an
unreserved account and is available for the District; the interest balance for the
unreserved portion is $1,370,168.
The District also maintains a separate reserve fund for main purchases. The District
showed a Main Purchase Fund balance of $557,106 at the time the District had its
audited financials prepared.
At the time this service review was prepared, the District’s financial activity indicated
that its total operating revenues are greater than its anticipated total operating
expenditures.
5. STATUS OF, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR, SHARED FACILITIES
Opportunities for shared facilities are limited to the District’s administration and/or
public facilities given that the District is the only public cemetery in the Selma area.
6. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE NEEDS,
INCLUDING GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONAL
EFFICIENCIES
The District is governed by a five-member board of trustees, and functions
independently from the County.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
22
Members of the board serve on the board as volunteers, and do not receive a per diem
for attending monthly meeting. The District reimburses travel mileage and hospitality
costs to its board members for attending professional development conferences,
District functions, and board member trainings workshops/seminars.
The board has one appointed District General Manager to carry out District policy, direct
the agency’s operations, provide daily supervision of staff and facilities, and administer
the District’s expenditures. The District General Manager is assisted by a part-time
District Office Assistant, a Grounds Supervisor, and three grounds persons.
The District has adopted policies that define the District’s personnel structure and its
administrative hierarchy. The District also has adopted Rules and Regulations for its
cemetery facilities for guests to adhere when visiting the District’s facilities.
The District has an official website (http://www.selmacem1.com/index.html) that
provides a wide array of District informational resources.
The District is a member of the California Association of Public Cemeteries (CAPC),
California Special District Association (CSDA), Public Cemetery Alliance (PCA) and active
founding member of the Central Valley Local Chapter of CSDA (CVLC).
The District’s government structure appears to be appropriate to ensure adequate services
are managed and provided to its ratepayers, and within the Selma area.
7. ANY OTHER MATTER RELATED TO EFFECTIVE OR EFFICIENT
SERVICE DELIVERY, AS REQUIRED BY COMMISSION POLICY
The District’s jurisdictional boundaries overlap with the Central Kings Groundwater
Sustainability Agency. Under State statute, a GSA is responsible for developing and
implementing a groundwater sustainable plan (GSP) to meet the sustainability goal of
the basin to ensure that it is operated within its sustainable yield, without causing
undesirable results.
The District informed LAFCo that it does not actively engage in groundwater recharge
programs. However, the District currently pays an annual assessment to the
Consolidated Irrigation District that funds the CIDs efforts to create water recharge
programs.
The District purchased property for a future cemetery. The use permit was denied by
the Fresno County Planning Commission and the District’s appeal of this decision was
upheld by the Board of Supervisors. The District will be resolving whether to renew its
request for a use permit for this site or to purchase other territory.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
23
3 . SPHERE OF I NFLUENCE U PDATE
When Fresno LAFCO updates, amends, or revises a sphere of influence for a local governmental
agency within its purview, it must adopt specific determinations with respect to the following
factors:
1. PRESENT AND PLANNED LAND USES, INCLUDING
AGRICULTURAL AND OPEN-SPACE LANDS
The County of Fresno is the land use authority for unincorporated territory inside the
District’s service area, and the Cities of Selma and Parlier are the land use authorities for
their respective incorporated territories.
City of Selma is the only fully incorporated area within the District’s service area. The
City of Selma’s incorporated boundaries amount to 3,283 acres, while the Selma SOI
encompasses 8,154 acres. There are 4,871 acres within the Selma SOI suitable for
future urban development.
The City of Selma’s General Plan designates urban uses for the area inside the Selma’s
SOI that overlaps with the District.
The City of Parlier’s incorporated city boundaries amount to 1,499 acres, while the
Parlier SOI encompasses 5,516 acres. There are 4,017 acres within the Parlier SOI
suitable for future urban development. Of which, approximately 1,340 acres of Parlier
SOI overlaps with the District’s service area. At the time this service review was
prepared, only 230 acres of Parlier’s city limits were inside the District’s service area.
2. PRESENT AND PROBABLE NEED FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES AND
SERVICES IN THE AREA
The District’s infrastructure consist of three noncontiguous cemetery facilities located
within the Selma area; North Selma Cemetery, Floral Memorial Cemetery, and Selma
West Cemetery. The District office is located on the 18.7-acre Floral Memorial
Cemetery facility located at 2430 Floral Avenue, Selma, Ca 93662.
The District informed LAFCo that its North Selma Cemetery has reached interment
capacity, however the site’s newborn/infant area still has interment capacity to accept
infant burials.
The District estimates that its existing three cemetery sites will reach full capacity in the
next five to eight years, circa 2025.
In 2014, the District purchased a 17.7-acre parcel situated south of East Nebraska
Avenue and west of South Bethel Avenue. The District plans that this land will
accommodate future interment demand in the Selma vicinity. As planned, the District
will developed this lot in two phases, and it will have a capacity of 30,000 burial plots
and 264 columbarium niches. However, the District needs approval of the land use
authority, County of Fresno, to utilize the land as a future cemetery site.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
24
The District’s irrigation schedule follows the City of Selma’s watering restrictions. The
District irrigates at night times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The District’s general manager annually reviews and identified the District’s
infrastructure needs, repairs, and improvements expenditures and allocates funding for
the upcoming year.
3. PRESENT CAPACITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ADEQUACY OF
PUBLIC SERVICES THAT THE AGENCY PROVIDES OR IS
AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE
The District estimates that its existing three cemetery sites will reach full capacity in the
next five to eight years, circa 2025.
The District plans to continue its search for a new cemetery location, will re-evaluate its
potential options, and either sell the 17.7-acre property or retain the property and hold
it as a land reserve.
The District informed LAFCo that it is likely to consider buying land nearby or within the
City of Selma. Although the District anticipates that community opposition may follow
them anywhere the District decides to buy land; Selma residents need to be aware that
in eight to ten years there are not going to be enough interment spaces to purchase at
the District’s cemetery facilities. The District intends to continue working with Fresno
County and City.
4. EXISTENCE OF ANY SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC COMMUNITIES OF
INTEREST IN THE AREA IF THE COMMISSION DETERMINES
THAT THEY ARE RELEVANT TO THE AGENCY
As observed by LAFCo, there no social or economic communities of interest exist near
the District relevant to the agency’s service provisions.
5. THE PRESENT AND PROBABLE NEED FOR THOSE PUBLIC
FACILITIES AND SERVICES OF ANY DISADVANTAGED
UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES WITHIN THE EXISTING
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
The District services are limited to burial and interment of human remains, and
maintenance of its public cemetery. For the purposes of this section, services provided
by the District do not support growth or induce population growth. Fresno LAFCo
observes that services provided by the District would not present a direct benefit to a
DUC as detailed in the MSR.
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
25
4 . RECOMMENDATIONS
In consideration of information gathered and evaluated during the Municipal Service Review, it
is recommended the Commission:
1. Receive this report and any public testimony regarding the proposed Municipal Service
Review and proposed sphere of influence update.
2. Find that the Municipal Service Review is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act pursuant to section 15306 (Information Collection).
3. Approve the recommended Municipal Service Review determinations, together with any
changes deemed appropriate.
4. Approve the recommended sphere of influence determinations, together with any
changes deemed appropriate.
5. Affirm the existing Selma Cemetery District SOI.
6. Recommend that the Selma Cemetery District continue its search for a new cemetery
location, re-evaluate its potential options and either sell the property or retain the
property.
7. Recommend that the Selma Cemetery District work with the Selma community, Fresno
County, City of Selma, and elected officials to inform them on services provided by the
District in efforts to gain support to build a new District cemetery site.
5 . ACKNO WL ED GEMENTS
This Municipal Service Review update was prepared by Fresno LAFCO. Supporting
documentation was made available through the effective partnership between District staff and
LAFCo. LAFCo extends its appreciation to the District for their assistance in the development of
this Municipal Service Review.
Available Documentation – documents used for the preparation of this report consist of public
records and are available at the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission Office located at:
Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission
2607 Fresno Street, Suite B
Fresno, California 93721
The Municipal Service Review is available on Fresno LAFCo’s website,
http://www.fresnolafco.org/default.asp
MSR and Sphere update Selma Cemetery District
26