Rainier Cemetery District

DATE: October 8, 2025
TO: Columbia County Voters within the Rainier Cemetery District
FROM: Kathi Mattinen, Clatskanie, Oregon
Amy Painter, Rainier Oregon
RE: November 4, 2025 FIVE-YEAR LOCAL OPTION TAX FOR CEMETERY OPERATIONS

We are writing in support of the upcoming funding levy for our local Rainier Cemetery District. This levy is essential
to continue to maintain the 12 cemeteries in our district, which together cover 37 acres across a span of over 31
miles.

These cemeteries are not only places of rest for our loved ones but also serve as an important part of our
community’s history and heritage. The district operates with remarkable efficiency – just one administrative staff member and two maintenance workers who care for all 12 cemeteries plus a special area available to lay your pets to rest. Without this levy it would be impossible for them to continue keeping these sacred grounds safe, accessible and properly maintained.

For the first time in many years, the five-member volunteer board has been able to carry forward a surplus of
$15,000 into the next budget year. This is evidence of their careful stewardship and commitment to using tax
dollars wisely while still ensuring that the cemeteries are maintained with dignity and respect.

The Rainier Cemetery District cemeteries in our district include:
 HUDSON (ON LARSON RD. IN RAINIER)
 GREEN MOUNTAIN (ON LARSON RD. IN RAINIER)
 WOODBINE (ON LARSON RD. IN RAINIER)
 NEER CITY (ON TERRY RD. IN RAINIER NEAR GOBLE)
 KOBEL (ON WHITNEY RD. NEAR GOBLE/SHILOH BASIN)
 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS A.K.A. THE RAINIER CEMETERY (ON NEER CITY RD. IN RAINIER)
 APIARY (ON FERN HILL RD. IN RAINIER)
 MURRAY HILL (ON HALL RD. IN CLATSKANIE)
 MAPLEWOOD (ON CONYERS ST. IN CLATSKANIE)
 CEDAR HILL (BRYANT) (ON WOOD LANE IN CLATSKANIE)
 MAYGER-DOWNING (ON QUINCY-MAYGER RD. IN MAYGER)
 STEWART CREEK (ON SHEPARD RD. IN QUINCY)
 A PLACE TO LAY YOUR PETS TO REST (ON LARSON RD. IN RAINIER)

Our rainy spring weather often makes it especially difficult to prepare the cemeteries before Memorial Day, yet the small crew consistently work hard to make them presentable and welcoming for families visiting their loved ones all while handling current burials.

The cost of the levy is modest. The request is to renew the levy of $0.05 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years for operations/equipment beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027. This is not a request for an increase. Approval of this measure would renew the current amount. It ensures that families have a place of dignity to honor those who came before us. It preserves history, oƯers comfort, and reflects the respect our community holds for past generations.
We highly encourage everyone to vote YES for the Rainier Cemetery District levy.