LAFCO
Cemetery
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MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW AND
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE FOR
PUBLIC CEMETERY
DISTRICTS OF
STANISLAUS
COUNTY
Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission
1010 Tenth Street, Third Floor
Modesto, CA 95354
Phone: (209) 525-7660
April 24, 2024
Adopted:
STANISLAUS
LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS
Amy Bublak, City Member
Richard O’Brien, City Member
Vito Chiesa, County Member
Terry Withrow, County Member
Ken Lane, Public Member
Javier Lopez, Alternate City Member
Mani Grewal, Alternate County Member
Bill Berryhill, Alternate Public Member
STAFF
Sara Lytle-Pinhey, Executive Officer
Javier Camarena, Assistant Executive Officer
Jennifer Vieira, Commission Clerk
Shaun Wahid, Commission Counsel
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..........................................................................................................1
Municipal Service Review Factors to be Addressed ........................................................ 1
Sphere of Influence Update Process ............................................................................... 2
Authority ..........................................................................................................................2
Classification of Services ................................................................................................. 3
Hills Ferry Cemetery District ...............................................................................4
Formation ........................................................................................................................4
Location and Size ............................................................................................................4
Sphere of Influence .........................................................................................................4
Governance .....................................................................................................................4
Personnel ........................................................................................................................4
Support Agencies ............................................................................................................4
Funding Sources .............................................................................................................4
Services ..........................................................................................................................5
Capacity ..........................................................................................................................5
Municipal Service Review Determinations ....................................................................... 6
Growth and Population Projections .................................................................................. 6
Location and Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ................ 6
Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services ............ 6
Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ............................................................. 6
Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities ........................................................... 6
Accountability for Community Service Needs .................................................................. 7
Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ................................. 7
Sphere of Influence Determinations ................................................................................. 8
Present and Planned Land Uses .....................................................................................8
Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ......................................... 8
Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ........................... 8
Communities of Interest in the Area ................................................................................. 8
Need for Public Facilities in Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities ...................... 8
Hills Ferry Cemetery District Summary Profile ................................................................. 9
Hills Ferry Cemetery District Map .................................................................................... 10
Knights Ferry Cemetery District ...................................................................... 11
Formation ......................................................................................................................1 1
Location and Size .......................................................................................................... 11
Sphere of Influence ....................................................................................................... 11
Governance ................................................................................................................... 11
Personnel ......................................................................................................................1 1
Support Agencies .......................................................................................................... 11
Funding Sources ........................................................................................................... 11
Services ........................................................................................................................1 2
Capacity ........................................................................................................................1 2
Municipal Service Review Determinations ...................................................................... 13
Growth and Population Projections ................................................................................ 13
Location and Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .............. 13
Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services .......... 13
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ........................................................... 13
Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities ......................................................... 13
Accountability for Community Service Needs ................................................................ 13
Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ............................... 14
Sphere of Influence Determinations ............................................................................... 15
Present and Planned Land Uses ................................................................................... 15
Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ....................................... 15
Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ......................... 15
Communities of Interest in the Area ............................................................................... 15
Need for Public Facilities in Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .................... 15
Knights Ferry Cemetery District Summary Profile .......................................................... 16
Knights Ferry Cemetery District Map ............................................................................... 17
Patterson Cemetery District ............................................................................. 18
Formation ......................................................................................................................1 8
Location and Size .......................................................................................................... 18
Sphere of Influence ....................................................................................................... 18
Governance ...................................................................................................................1 8
Personnel ......................................................................................................................1 8
Support Agencies .......................................................................................................... 18
Funding Sources ........................................................................................................... 18
Services ........................................................................................................................1 9
Capacity ........................................................................................................................1 9
Municipal Service Review Determinations ..................................................................... 20
Growth and Population Projections ................................................................................ 20
Location and Characteristics of Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .............. 20
Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services .......... 20
Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services ........................................................... 20
Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities ......................................................... 20
Accountability for Community Service Needs ................................................................ 20
Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery ............................... 21
Sphere of Influence Determinations ............................................................................... 22
Present and Planned Land Uses ................................................................................... 22
Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ....................................... 22
Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ......................... 22
Communities of Interest in the Area ............................................................................... 22
Need for Public Facilities in Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .................... 22
Patterson Cemetery District Summary Profile ................................................................ 23
Patterson Cemetery District Map ..................................................................................... 24
Appendix D: References .................................................................................. 25
Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Updates for the
Hills Ferry, Knights Ferry, and Patterson
Cemetery Districts
Introduction
The Cortese/Knox/Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 Act (CKH Act)
requires the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to update the spheres of influence
(SOI) for all applicable jurisdictions in the County. A sphere of influence is defined by
Government Code 56076 as “...a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a
local agency, as determined by the Commission.” The Act further requires that a municipal
service review (MSR) be conducted prior to or, in conjunction with, the update of a sphere of
influence (SOI).
The legislative authority for conducting a municipal service review is provided in Government
Code Section 56430 of the CKH Act. The Act states, that “in order to prepare and to update
spheres of influence in accordance with Section 56425, the commission shall conduct a service
review of the municipal services provided in the county or other appropriate area...” MSRs must
have written determinations that address the following factors in order to update a Sphere of
Influence. These factors were recently amended to include the consideration of disadvantaged
unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence of an agency.
Municipal Service Review Factors to be Addressed
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area
2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities, Adequacy of Public Services, and
Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies Including Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers,
Municipal and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged,
Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services
5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and
Operational Efficiencies
7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by
Commission Policy
State Guidelines and Commission policies encourage cooperation among a variety of
stakeholders involved in the preparation of a municipal service review. This MSR will analyze
the Hills Ferry, Knights Ferry, and Patterson Cemetery Districts, with regards to existing and
future services. The MSR will also provide a basis for each of the Districts and LAFCO to
evaluate, and if appropriate, make changes to the Districts’ Spheres of Influence.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 1
Sphere of Influence Update Process
A special district is a government agency that is required to have an adopted and updated
sphere of influence. Section 56425(g) of the CKH Act calls for spheres of influence to be
reviewed and updated every five years, as necessary. Stanislaus LAFCO processes municipal
service reviews and sphere of influence updates concurrently to ensure efficient use of
resources. For rural special districts, which do not have the typical municipal-level services to
review, this document will be used to determine what type of services each district is expected
to provide and the extent to which they are actually able to do so. For these special districts,
the spheres will delineate the service capability and expansion capacity of the agency, if
applicable.
Spheres of Influence for the Hills Ferry, Knights Ferry, and Patterson Cemetery Districts were
originally adopted by the Commission in 1984. The most recent update, adopted in 2008,
proposed no changes to the Districts’ SOIs. The current update serves to comply with
Government Code Section 56425 and will reaffirm the SOIs for each district.
Sphere of Influence Determinations
In determining a sphere of influence (SOI) of each local agency, the Commission shall consider
and prepare determinations with respect to each of the following factors, pursuant to
Government Code Section 56425:
1. The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space
lands.
2. The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area.
3. The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency
provides or is authorized to provide.
4. The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.
5. For an update of a sphere of influence of a city or special district that provides public
facilities or services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, or structural fire
protection, the present and probable need for those public facilities and services of any
disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence.
Authority
The three cemetery districts in Stanislaus County are public entities that were organized under
the California Health and Safety Code Section 9000 et. seq. (formerly Sections 8890-9225).
Under this code, cemetery districts are legally authorized to provide standard cemetery
functions, including land acquisition, cemetery maintenance, and grounds keeping.
The Code also prescribes those who may be interred in district cemeteries. The deceased must
have been a resident or taxpayer of the district, or former resident or taxpayer of the district who
purchased lots prior to leaving the area or selling his/her land. Family members are eligible for
interment, but are limited to spouses, parents, grandparents, children, and siblings.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 2
In addition, a descendent not otherwise eligible may be interred in a district cemetery if private
facilities are not available within a radius of 15 miles of the descendents residence. Plots
acquired by veterans associations may be used for the burial of any of their members, whether
or not such member is a district resident. Also, the County may have buried in a district any
indigent, if the district’s trustees determine there is more space available than necessary to
meet foreseeable needs of the district. However, most of the residents in Stanislaus County do
not reside within the boundaries of the public cemeteries in the County and must be served by
private, fraternal or religious cemeteries.
Classification of Services
As part of the original MSR completed for the Districts, each District provided a listing of
services provided within their boundaries. The Cemetery Districts are authorized to provide the
functions or classes of services as identified in this report. State Law requires that the Districts
seek LAFCO approval in order to exercise any other latent powers not currently provided.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 3
HILLS FERRY CEMETERY DISTRICT
Formation
The Hills Ferry Cemetery District was formed on January 24, 1938.
Location and Size
The District’s boundary encompasses approximately 364,000 acres, located in Stanislaus and
Merced Counties. The portion in Stanislaus County includes the City of Newman, the
unincorporated community of Crows Landing and surrounding County areas. The portion in
Merced County includes the City of Gustine, the unincorporated community of Santa Nella, and
surrounding areas. The cemetery grounds are open to the public seven days a week.
The District’s office is located at 1334 Stuhr Road, Newman, in western Stanislaus County. In
addition, within the District boundaries is the Cottonwood Cemetery, located in Merced County.
Although this cemetery has been closed for many years, the District continues to provide
grounds keeping and maintenance services.
Sphere of Influence
The District’s Sphere of Influence is coterminous with its current boundaries.
Governance
A three member “Board of Trustees”, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, governs the
District. Meetings are held on a quarterly basis at the District offices, located at 1334 Stuhr
Road, Newman, CA.
Personnel
There are currently 3 full-time persons employed by the District. The District is currently in the
process of hiring a full time office employee and part-time landscaper.
Support Agencies
The District maintains a positive collaborative relationship with other agencies, such as the:
Patterson and Los Banos Cemetery Districts. The District is also a member of the California
Association of Public Cemeteries and the Northern California Public Cemetery Association.
Funding Sources
The District’s funding sources consist of a portion of the property taxes from land and homes in
the area and fees for services that are provided by the District. The service fees are generated
by sale of burial sites, burial expenses, and setting headstones. Service fees for non-residents
are higher, as authorized by State law.
The District has an established fee schedule and endowment fund. The purpose of the
endowment fund is to provide for future maintenance and care of the cemetery. The interest
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 4
earned on the principal of the fund may be used for the general operation of the District. The
fund principal may never be spent.
Services
The District provides the following services, which are regulated by the California Health and
Safety Code:
• Burials, setting of markers and sales of burial plots, vaults and liners.
• Grounds keeping and maintenance.
• An average of 100-120 internments per year.
Capacity
Growth within the District boundaries has increased steadily over the years, with the majority of
growth occurring in the City of Newman. In order to keep up with future demand, the District
began a planned expansion project, which will include 3,000 new sites in Phase 1 and
approximately 20 acres of vacant and undeveloped land in Phase 2. In 2014, the District
completed an expansion of 390 fill casket plots.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 5
Municipal Service Review Determinations – Hills Ferry Cemetery District
The following provides an analysis of the seven categories or components required by Section
56430 for a Service Review for the Hills Ferry Cemetery District:
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area
The District is prepared to manage the growth that will occur in the coming years.
Population growth is projected to occur in the cities of Newman and Gustine, corresponding
with their respective General Plans.
2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
A review of available Census data indicates that the unincorporated community of Santa
Nella, located in Merced County at the southerly end of the District, can be considered a
disadvantaged unincorporated community.
3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services,
Including Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers, Municipal Water
and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged,
Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
At the present time, the District has both the ability and the capacity to serve its service
area. An expansion area of approximately 20 acres is available at the Hills Ferry Cemetery
site. The District is also planning on building a new office which is expected to be
completed in the next 3 to 5 years.
Recently, the District hired a company to fly a drone over the cemetery in order to create a
digital map. Currently, the District is making edits and will soon launch the map. The map
will allow the public to look up loved ones, purchase plots, and leave digital memories.
As the District is not a provider of water, sewer, or fire protection services, it is not
responsible for assuring that these services are adequately provided to disadvantaged
unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the District.
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services
The District attempts to maintain its rate schedule to charge the minimum fees possible.
The District regularly monitors its fee/rate schedule in comparison to other nearby public
cemetery districts (i.e. Los Banos, Patterson). The District is in sound financial shape and
has the necessary resources to fund its services.
5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities
In the spirit of cooperation, the District has loaned its equipment to neighboring cemeteries
when assistance has been requested. In return, the neighboring cemeteries have also
assisted the District when help was needed. This type of cooperation assists the cemeteries
in meeting the needs of its residents in a cost-effective manner.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 6
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and
Operational Efficiencies
It is reasonable to conclude that the District can adequately serve the area under its
jurisdiction. A three (3) member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Stanislaus County
Board of Supervisors, governs the District. The District is subject to the provisions of the
Brown Act requiring open meetings. No other relevant issues concerning this factor have
been identified.
7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by
Commission Policy
None.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 7
Sphere of Influence Determinations- Hills Ferry Cemetery District
The following determinations for the Hills Ferry Cemetery District’s Sphere of Influence update
are made in conformance with Government Code Section 56425 and local Commission policy.
1. Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, Including Agricultural and Open-Space
Lands
The Hills Ferry Cemetery District’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) includes approximately
364,000 acres, located in Stanislaus and Merced counties. The portion in Stanislaus
County includes the City of Newman, the unincorporated communities of Crows Landing,
Diablo Grande and surrounding County areas. The portion in Merced County includes the
City of Gustine and unincorporated community of Santa Nella, along with surrounding
unincorporated areas. Territory within and outside the District boundaries consists of rural
and urbanized areas including agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, and open
space uses. While some areas are projected to experience more development and growth
than other areas, the need for cemetery services will not diminish. In addition, the District
does not have the authority to make land use decisions, nor does it have authority over
present or planned land uses within its boundaries. The responsibility for land use decisions
within the District boundaries is retained by the two counties and the cities of Newman and
Gustine.
2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area
The Hills Ferry Cemetery District is presently meeting the needs of the residents and has
also procured facilities to prepare for future increased demands of its services for the next
several years.
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the
Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide
The District currently has ample capacity within the cemetery and operates and maintains
the cemetery in an efficient manner.
4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the Area if the
Commission Determines That They are Relevant to the Agency
The cities of Newman and Gustine, as well as the unincorporated communities of Crows
Landing, Diablo Grande, and Santa Nella are encompassed within the District’s boundaries
and Sphere of Influence.
5. For an Update of a Sphere of Influence of a City or Special District That Provides
Public Facilities or Services Related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, or
Structural Fire Protection, the Present and Probable Need for Those Public Facilities
and Services of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within the Existing
Sphere of Influence
As the District does not provide services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water or
structural fire protection, this factor is not applicable.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 8
DISTRICT SUMMARY PROFILE
District: HILLS FERRY CEMETERY DISTRICT
Location: 1334 W. Stuhr Road, Newman
Current Boundary: Approximately 364,000 acres, located in
Stanislaus and Merced Counties
Population: 20,980*
Land Use: Varied land uses from residential, commercial,
industrial, agricultural lands and open
space.
Date of Formation: January 24, 1938
Enabling Act: California Health and
Safety Code
Section 9000 et.
seq. (formerly
Sections 8890-
9225)
Hills Ferry
Cemetery District
Governing Body: Three member
Board of Trustees,
appointed by the
Stanislaus County
Board of Supervisors
Administration: 3 full-time employees.
District Services: Burial services
Total Operating
Budget (Actual): FY 2023-2024 – $615,007
Revenue Sources: Property Tax, Sale of Burial Plots, and Service Fees
*Source: Hills Ferry Cemetery District
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 9
HILLS FERRY CEMETERY DISTRICT
BOUNDARY AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 10
KNIGHTS FERRY CEMETERY DISTRICT
Formation
The Knights Ferry Cemetery District was formed on February 10, 1936.
Location and Size
The District’s boundary encompasses approximately 18,500 acres, including the historic
unincorporated community of Knights Ferry, in northeast Stanislaus County. The District’s
cemetery, known as the Oak Grove Cemetery, is located at the end of Cemetery Road in
Knights Ferry. The district has installed a solar gate that is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7
p.m.
Sphere of Influence
The District’s Sphere of Influence extends beyond its current boundaries, encompassing
approximately 24,000 additional acres.
Governance
A five-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, governs the District.
Meetings are held on an as-needed basis at various locations.
Personnel
The District does not employ any personnel, nor does it maintain an office on-site. The District
relies on its volunteer Board members to run the day-to-day operations. One of the District’s
Trustees provides office space at their home, where the District has a designated phone line
and answering machine. This same Trustee and/or Secretary also receives District phone calls
and correspondence, thus mitigating the need for an office and paid personnel.
Support Agencies
The District maintains a positive collaborative relationship with other agencies, as necessary.
These agencies include the Sheriff’s Department and the Oakdale Rural Fire Protection District.
Funding Sources
The District’s funding sources consist of a portion of the property taxes from land and homes in
the area and fees for services that are provided by the District. The service fees are generated
by the sale of burial sites. The District has an established fee schedule for collecting revenues
for services performed. In addition, the District receives a small amount of funding from private
donations; these funds are used to assist in the upkeep of the cemetery grounds.
The District has, over the years, made a concerted effort to cut costs to build up a reserve in
order to make improvements to the cemetery grounds. Past improvements include installation
of a new well and water system. The District continues to make improvements to the exterior
and interior roadway access to the cemetery.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 11
Services
The District is a “non-maintenance” district and provides for the sale of burial plots only, which
are recorded as deeded property. Families of the interned are responsible for the upkeep of
the burial sites. The District does, however, contract out for grounds keeping services on an as-
needed basis. On the average, the District performs an estimated 8 to 12 internments per year.
Capacity
The District currently has undeveloped gravesite space available within its immediate
boundaries. In addition, there is approximately 5 acres of vacant and undeveloped land to meet
the burial needs of the district for many years to come.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 12
Municipal Service Review Determinations – Knights Ferry Cemetery District
The following provides an analysis of the seven categories or components required by Section
56430 for a municipal service review for the Knights Ferry Cemetery District:
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area
The District serves an area that is unincorporated and agricultural, with the majority of
population occurring in and around the unincorporated community of Knights Ferry.
According to the County’s General Plan, it is not anticipated that Knights Ferry will
experience significant growth in the coming years.
2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
Upon review of available Census data, there are no known disadvantaged unincorporated
communities within or contiguous to the District’s Sphere of Influence.
3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services,
Including Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers, Municipal Water
and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged,
Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
At the present time, the District has both the ability and the capacity to serve its service
area. As the District does not provide water, sewer, or fire protection services, it is not
responsible for assuring that these services are adequately provided to communities within
the District’s boundaries.
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Service
The District has had some recent expenditures, including squirrel abatement and a new
pump for a well. The District is currently planning to remove dead cedar trees from the
cemetery site.
The District has a limited budget and relies on volunteers for much of its operations.
According to the District’s 2023-2024 Budget, the District is expected to have approximately
$29,000 in expenses and only approximately $10,000 in total income. However, over all the
District appears to have adequate financial resources to fund limited services.
5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities
The District does not share resources with other agencies at this time, as their assets are
limited.
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and
Operational Efficiencies
It is reasonable to conclude that the District can adequately serve the areas under its
jurisdiction. A five (5) member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Stanislaus County
Board of Supervisors governs the District. The Board conforms to the provisions of the
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 13
Brown Act requiring open meetings. No other relevant issues concerning this factor have
been identified.
7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by
Commission Policy
None.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 14
Sphere of Influence Determinations: Knights Ferry Cemetery District
The following determinations for the Knights Ferry Cemetery District’s Sphere of Influence
update are made in conformance with Government Code Section 56425 and local Commission
policy.
1. Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, Including Agricultural and Open-Space
Lands
The Knights Ferry Cemetery District’s Sphere of Influence (SOI), including the District’s
boundary, encompasses approximately 42,500 acres. This includes the historic
unincorporated community of Knights Ferry and surrounding County areas. Territory within
and outside the District boundaries consists mostly of agricultural and rural residential areas.
The County’s General Plan expects very little growth or development in this portion of the
County. In addition, the District does not have the authority to make land use decisions, nor
does it have authority over present or planned land uses within its boundaries. The
responsibility for land use decisions within the District boundaries is retained by the County.
2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area
The Knights Ferry Cemetery District is presently meeting the needs of the residents and has
five acres of additional vacant and undeveloped gravesite space to prepare for future needs
of its residents for the coming years.
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the
Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide
The District currently has adequate capacity within the cemetery and operates and
maintains the cemetery in an efficient manner relying on volunteer board members and
families of the interned for upkeep of burial sites.
4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the Area if the
Commission Determines That They are Relevant to the Agency
The unincorporated community of Knights Ferry is encompassed by the district’s boundaries
and Sphere of Influence.
5. For an Update of a Sphere of Influence of a City or Special District That Provides
Public Facilities or Services Related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, or
Structural Fire Protection, the Present and Probable Need for Those Public Facilities
and Services of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within the Existing
Sphere of Influence
As the District does not provide services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water or
structural fire protection, this factor is not applicable.
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 15
DISTRICT SUMMARY PROFILE
District: KNIGHTS FERRY CEMETERY DISTRICT
Location: 17201 Cemetery Road, Knights Ferry
Current Boundary: Approximately 18,500 acres (with an additional
Knights Ferry
24,000+/- acres outside the District’s current
Cemetery District
boundaries but within its Sphere of Influence)
Population: 656*
Land Use: Primarily historical, rural residential, agriculture
and open space
Date of Formation: February 10, 1936
Enabling Act: California Health and
Safety Code Section
9000 et. seq.
(formerly Sections
8890-9225)
Governing Body: A five member
“Board of Trustees”,
appointed by the
Stanislaus County
Board of
Supervisors.
Administration: There are no paid staff members.
District Services: Sale of burial plots
Total Expenses: FY 2023-2024 – $28,950
Revenue Sources: Property Tax, Sale of Burial Plots
*Source: Estimated using 2020 Census Data
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 16
KNIGHTS FERRY CEMETERY DISTRICT
BOUNDARY AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
MSR & SOI Update – Cemetery Districts Page 17
PATTERSON CEMETERY DISTRICT
Formation
The Patterson Cemetery District was formed on November 27, 1944.
Location and Size
The District’s boundary encompasses approximately 143,000 acres on the west side of
Stanislaus County, including the City of Patterson, the unincorporated communities of Westley
and Grayson and surrounding unincorporated county areas.
The Patterson Cemetery is located at 10800 Highway 33, north of Patterson, and is also the site
of the District office. The Grayson Cemetery, located at the corner of Grayson and River
Roads, in the unincorporated community of Grayson is also located within the boundaries of the
District. Although it has been closed for many years, the District continues to provide grounds
keeping and maintenance services on the site.
Sphere of Influence
In 1984, the Sphere of Influence established for the District included a potential expansion area
of approximately 7,000 acres, located east of Patterson, just east of the San Joaquin River.
Governance
A five-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
governs the District. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m.,
at the Patterson Cemetery Board Room at 10800 Highway 33. The District complies with the
Brown Act at their meetings and posts their monthly agenda at the above address.
Personnel
The District employs three full-time personnel. The District also utilizes volunteer labor on an
as-needed basis.
Support Agencies
The District maintains a positive collaborative relationship with other agencies, as necessary.
The District is also a member of the California Association of Public Cemeteries and the Public
Cemetery Alliance.
Funding Sources
The District’s funding sources consist of a portion of the property taxes from land and homes in
the area and fees for services that are provided by the District. The service fees are generated
by selling burial sites, burial expenses, and setting headstones. Service fees for non-residents
are higher, as per state law.
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The District has an established fee schedule and endowment fund. The purpose of the
endowment fund is to provide for future maintenance and care of the cemetery. The interest
earned on the principal of the fund may be used for the general operation of the District. The
fund principal may never be spent.
Services
The District provides the following services within its service area:
• Burials
• Setting Markers and Marker Foundations
• Performs on the average 90 internments per year.
Capacity
The District has adequate space to meet the burial needs of its district for several decades. The
cemetery currently has several hundred undeveloped gravesites, as well as approximately 11
acres of vacant and undeveloped land, which can be considered for future development.
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Municipal Service Review Determinations – Patterson Cemetery District
The following provides an analysis of the seven categories or components required by Section
56430 for a municipal service review for the Patterson Cemetery District:
1. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area
The majority of growth in the District is projected to occur in the City of Patterson, consistent
with the City’s General Plan. Based on limited availability of public services, little growth is
projected to occur in the unincorporated areas that the District covers. The District has
approximately 11 acres of expansion area in preparation for future growth.
2. The Location and Characteristics of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
Grayson and Westley, both located within the boundaries and Sphere of Influence of the
District, are considered disadvantaged unincorporated communities according to available
Census data for the area.
3. Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services,
Including Infrastructure Needs or Deficiencies Related to Sewers, Municipal Water
and Industrial Water, and Structural Fire Protection in Any Disadvantaged,
Unincorporated Communities Within or Contiguous to the Sphere of Influence
At the present time, the District has both the ability and the capacity to serve its service
area. As the District does not provide water, sewer, or fire protection services, it is not
responsible for assuring that these services are adequately provided to disadvantaged
unincorporated communities within the District’s boundaries.
4. Financial Ability of Agencies to Provide Services
Currently, the District appears to have adequate financial resources to fund sufficient levels
of service within the District’s boundaries. The District attempts to maintain its rate schedule
to charge the minimum fees possible and regularly monitors its fee/rate schedule in
comparison to other nearby public cemetery districts.
5. Status of, and Opportunities for, Shared Facilities
The District has loaned its equipment to neighboring cemeteries, such as the Hills Ferry
Cemetery District, when assistance has been requested. In return, the neighboring
cemeteries have also assisted the District when help was needed. This type of cooperation
assists the cemeteries in meeting the needs of its residents in a cost-effective manner.
6. Accountability for Community Service Needs, Including Governmental Structure and
Operational Efficiencies
It is reasonable to conclude that the District can adequately serve the areas under its
jurisdiction. A five-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Board of Supervisors,
governs the District. The Board conforms to the provisions of the Brown Act requiring open
meetings. No other relevant issues concerning this factor have been identified.
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7. Any Other Matter Related to Effective or Efficient Service Delivery, as Required by
Commission Policy
None.
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Sphere of Influence Determinations – Patterson Cemetery District
The following determinations for the Patterson Cemetery District’s Sphere of Influence update
are made in conformance with Government Code Section 56425 and local Commission policy.
1. Present and Planned Land Uses in the Area, Including Agricultural and Open-Space
Lands
The Patterson Cemetery District’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) includes approximately 150,000
acres, including the City of Patterson, the unincorporated communities of Grayson and
Westley, as well as surrounding county areas. The current SOI includes an approximately
7,000-acre expansion area outside the current District boundary, east of Patterson, just west
of the San Joaquin River. Territory within and outside the District boundaries consists of
rural and urban areas including, residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and open
space uses. The District does not have the authority to make land use decisions, nor does it
have authority over present or planned land uses within its boundaries. The responsibility
for land use decisions within the District boundaries is retained by the County and the City of
Patterson.
2. Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services in the Area
The District is presently meeting the needs of the residents and has additional vacant and
undeveloped gravesite space to prepare for future needs of its residents for many years.
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services that the
Agency Provides or is Authorized to Provide
The District currently has adequate capacity within the cemetery and operates and
maintains the cemetery in an efficient manner.
4. The Existence of Any Social or Economic Communities of Interest in the Area if the
Commission Determines That They are Relevant to the Agency
The City of Patterson and the unincorporated communities of Westley and Grayson can be
considered communities of interest within the District’s boundaries.
5. For an Update of a Sphere of Influence of a City or Special District That Provides
Public Facilities or Services Related to Sewers, Municipal and Industrial Water, or
Structural Fire Protection, the Present and Probable Need for Those Public Facilities
and Services of Any Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities Within the Existing
Sphere of Influence
As the District does not provide services related to sewers, municipal and industrial water or
structural fire protection, this factor is not applicable.
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DISTRICT SUMMARY PROFILE
District: PATTERSON CEMETERY DISTRICT
Location: 10800 Highway 33, Patterson, CA 95363
Current Boundary: Approximately 143,000 acres (with an
additional 7,000+/- acres outside the District’s
current boundaries but within its Sphere of
Influence)
Population: 29,500*
Land Use: Varied land uses from residential,
commercial, industrial,
agricultural lands and open
space.
Date of Formation: November 27, 1944
Enabling Act: California Health
and Safety Code
Sections 9000 et.
seq. (formerly
Sections 8890- Patterson
Cemetery District
9225)
Governing Body: 5 Trustees appointed
by the Stanislaus
County Board of Supervisors.
Administration: There are 3 paid staff members.
District Services: Burial services
Total Expenditures: FY 2023-2024 – $581,607
Revenue Sources: Property Tax, Sale of Burial Plots, and Service Fees
*Source: Estimated using 2020 Census Data
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PATTERSON CEMETERY DISTRICT
BOUNDARY AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
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REFERENCES
1. California Associate of Public Cemeteries. Website (http://www.capc.info/index.html).
Accessed March 3, 2024.
2. California Health and Safety Code Sections 9000 et. seq. (formerly Sections 8890-
9225).
3. Hills Ferry Cemetery District. Budget for 2023-2024.
4. Knights Ferry Cemetery District. Budget 2023-2024.
5. Patterson Cemetery District. Annual Budget 2023-2024.
6. Stanislaus LAFCO. Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update for
the Hills Ferry, Knights Ferry, and Patterson Cemetery Districts. August 27,
2019.
7. United States Census Bureau. 2020.
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