Another entry in the what-the-hell-does-Metro-do file: managing Portland's 14 "Pioneer Cemeteries." These include Lone Fir Cemetery in Southeast and Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery in Southwest. Aside from being bucolic resting spots for settlers recent and historical, they also generate revenue through the sale of gravesites—which, in turn, pays to maintain the sites.
- —b— on Flickr
Today's Oregonian has a piece about an impending cemetery budget shortfall for Metro, based on the lack of available spots (fewer than 4,300 remain). Metro stopped selling plots at Lone Fir in 2009.
The alternatives to dead paying customers? Metro is considering a tax district or entry fees. So, there you have it: urban growth boundaries, regional parks, hazardous waste disposal, and cemeteries. Know your regional government, folks!