Sullivan City is cracking down on cemetery violations after officials say some families have been making unauthorized changes to burial plots.

Sullivan City Manager Richard Ozuna said more than 100 burial plots have markers, structures, or other items that extend into neighboring plots. The city has sent 36 warning letters to families, and 21 have already complied.

"They're giving a certain parameter — width and length — and then they start adding cement benches and things that go up and beyond and actually sit on top of somebody else's plot," Ozuna said. "And when it's time to bury a loved one, then they're upset, they're mad and things need to be removed."

City officials have received nine complaints about cemetery rule violations over the past three months. Under city rules, each plot is limited to 3.5 feet by 9 feet, including one headstone.

Officials have also identified seven concrete burial plots, which are not allowed under city regulations. Remaining families have one week to make changes before they face citations.

"First offense could be up to a $250 fine and a second offense up to a $500 fine," Ozuna said.

Sullivan City recently installed a banner at the cemetery to remind residents about the rules and regulations.

For 29-year-old Francisco Garza, a Sullivan City resident, the issue hits close to home. He says a bench belonging to another family was placed next to his mother-in-law's grave, leaving little room for his family to visit without worrying about stepping on neighboring plots.

His mother-in-law passed away two years ago. Garza says the visits have become more frustrating over the past six months.

"We go there with good intentions, and when we see that, it really bothers us to see them just toss things," Garza said.

Garza says he visits the cemetery about four times a month but has no way to contact the families of those buried in neighboring plots.

Ozuna said many of the violations happen over weekends, making it difficult for staff to identify them right away. He added that calls have been made and some families have already resolved the problems.

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