The Woodlawn Cemetery

“The membership of the corporation consists of current lot owners who have purchased burial rights or obtained rights through transfer of ownership. In accordance with new york state cemetery law, deeds designating burial rights are issued to lot owners and burial rights are transferred through heirship affidavits, wills and by court order.”

“The cemetery has an annual meeting in accordance with nys division of cemeteries and the cemetery's by-laws. The members elect or reelect trustees at the expiration of terms in office. Each member/owner is entitled to one vote.”

“At the annual lot owners meeting, the decisions of the governing body are presented to the membership for consideration and acceptance by vote.”

“The form 990 is prepared by an independent certified public accounting firm and reviewed by management. Subsequent to the review, the return is emailed or mailed to the full board for review. Board members will contact the treasurer with any questions or comments. Once the review by the board members is complete, the return will be filed.”

“All facts material to the conflict of interest will be disclosed to the chairman of the audit committee, or chairman of the board prior to a meeting of the board of trustees or committee of the board involving a conflict of interest. Any related party having a conflict of interest may not be present or participate in the meeting relating to a matter giving rise to such conflict of interest. During the march board meeting, board trustees, officers and key employees complete and sign an annual statement. This is where any conflicts are disclosed. All facts material to the conflict of interest will be disclosed to the chairman of the audit committee, or chairman of the board prior to a meeting of the board of trustees or committee of the board involving a conflict of interest. Any related party having a conflict of interest may not be present or participate in the meeting relating to a matter giving rise to such conflict of interest.”

“The compensation of the ceo/president of the cemetery is reviewed and determined by the board of trustees annually. The board reviews and compares compensation packages of similar positions in peer group cemeteries, reviews industry generated compensation surveys and conducts internal analysis in determining appropriate compensation. Periodically the board engages third parties to review and assess the ceo/president's compensation package and it considers any changes recommended by the third party. The board's approval of the ceo/president's salary is documented in the minutes of board meetings. The ceo/president's salary was last reviewed in 2024. The ceo/president has the authority from the board to establish compensation for other officers and key employees. Compensation levels are determined by reviewing industry generated compensation surveys and making inquiries to peer group cemeteries.”

“The president and the secretary maintain the governing documents and conflict of interest policy. The treasurer maintains all financial records. The form 990 is made available to the general public upon request. Additionally, at the annual meeting, a summary of the operating results are presented and the audited financial statements are available for review.”

“The cemetery maintains funds that are restricted by new york state law for the perpetual care of the cemetery (permanent maintenance) and funds restricted for the care of specific graves, lots or parts thereof. Though restricted by new york state law, the funds are not restricted net assets as defined by generally accepted accounting principles.”

“Post retirement and pension benefits liability adjustment 640,254. Net change in trust principal 199,102. Net periodic pension cost -1,521,953. Change in burial rights inventory -3,001,894. Impairment of construction in progress -552,389. Cancellation of prior years' pre-need contracts -1,300,569.”

“The financial statements of the cemetery are audited annually by an independent certified public accounting firm that is engaged by the cemetery's audit committee. The audit committee meets with the independent auditors prior to their engagement to review the terms of an engagement letter. At the conclusion of the audit, the audit committee again meets with the independent auditors to review the audited financial statements. The auditors communicate as required with those charged with governance in person, via telephone, in electronic written communication and, if necessary, through the issuance of a management letter. This process has been in place and has not changed from the previous year.”