We have made significant improvements to the infrastructure and overall appearance of the cemetery over the last several years but there is so much more that needs to be done.  We feel that, at the same time, we have also been able to improve the level of service to you, our families, as well as to the funeral homes and the memorial and monument providers. Our goal now is to continue to add to and improve the level of our services, while adding to the care funds for the preservation of this historical cemetery and to try to continue the  work on the aging infrastructure.

We have, for years, been attempting to set aside funds for care from the sale of interment spaces in excess of the 10% that would be required under the laws of Virginia.    Since the inception of cemetery provided care, Ivy Hill has always placed these funds into very conservative investments and bonds.  This very prudent policy has always been safe but its growth was limited by its very nature. This limited growth is what we are continuing to address.  In addition to placing funds in excess of what would be required we have set up two additional diversified funds and have decided to add new funding from all of our revenue sources to these accounts. 

The economic conditions of the last several years, well know to everyone, have been very hard on these plans for the cemetery.  We had not increased our fees during this time but our operating costs have increased and revenue has decreased.  We face the unpleasant reality that we once again must make major fee adjustments. Adding to this problem, while the City controlled their budget by cutting services, it has played havoc with our budget since we now have to pay someone for those services.  We can no longer be concerned about what other's fees might be.  We need to set up a fee structure based on the needs of this historic cemetery and its future.

Why are we telling you all of this?  We want you to know that our fees provide  for a great deal more than just opening and closing a grave, or installing a marker, monument or memorial.  We want our families to know that we have a commitment to them that is forever and that we are doing something, much more than is common or average in the industry, to try to make sure that forever is as fully funded and provided for as possible.  Remember one very important fact,  Ivy Hill is not, and never wants to be,  your average cemetery.