DOWNEY — The Downey Cemetery Commission voted unanimously last week to move forward in its pursuit to annex parts of Downey not currently within the cemetery district lines.

The cemetery district not only secures funding for the cemetery’s care and upkeep, it also determines who can be buried within the historic grounds.

However, up to this point the boundaries have not included the entirety of the city, leaving Downey without some of the valuable resources and prohibiting those outside of its lines from securing some of the remaining space.

The cemetery district remains under the auspices of Los Angeles County but is run by the city.

The annexation will be a combined effort with the Artesia and Little Lake cemetery districts, who are also looking to gain territory not currently available to them.

According to Commission Chair Mario A. Guerra, it could take a year and potentially $30,000-$60,000 before new boundaries are set.

“One of my concerns is the cost,” said Guerra. “We’re trying to see if the County will waive certain fees.”

“I also want to make sure it’s distributed evenly. I don’t want to pay a third of this and then only benefit 20%, so our community makes sure we’re getting our money’s worth and that the fees are appropriated properly between the districts.”

Downey Cemetery does not currently have any remaining plot land available but there are still “niche plots” available for purchase.