Cemetery System Future Plan

     

     There is a crucial need for more space for burials.  The town must consider the purchase of additional property for the expansion of Pine Grove Cemetery, preferably land abutting the existing site.  Additionally, existing natural subsurface conditions may make burials challenging. Testing will have to be done prior to the purchase of any land as physical limitations are an issue with much of the land being too rocky for burials. 

 

     In order to maximize existing space, the Cemetery Trustees may want to consider designating an area for cremations only. 

 

     Current rules and regulations at Pine Grove Cemetery stipulate that the minimum purchase is of three graves. Each grave could hold three cremations, so if a couple would like to purchase space for two cremations, they would have to buy space for three full body burials. The rules need to be re-written to allow for the sale of single graves.

     

     A Cemetery Expansion Fund was established by voters at Town Meeting on March 8, 2022 with an initial deposit of $19,555 from the Cemetery Lot Fund. As of June 30, 2025, the balance in the fund was $21,641.94. It would be advisable to add to this fund annually through warrant articles.

 

     Town records only go back to 1900 because the fire that destroyed the Town Hall also destroyed cemetery records.  There are multiple incomplete maps with varying information on each.  This makes it challenging to understand inventory.  There is a need for mapping the cemeteries.  This benefits the town in multiple ways as it helps to record the history of the town as well as make it possible for the Sexton to make plots available when needed.

 

     Several mapping and document management companies provide services that would allow the town to compile master maps of all six cemeteries.  To fund this, the Cemetery Trustees should try to avoid asking the taxpayers for funds.  Trustees should look to existing trust funds for Pine Grove and Oak Lawn. The Pine Grove Memorial Trust Fund had a balance of $56,949.03 at June 30, 2025 with $15,583.05 available in interest.  The Oak Lawn Memorial Trust Fund had a balance of $22,966.64 at June 30, 2025 with $9,681.30 available in interest.  To fund the mapping of the smaller, older cemeteries, which date back to Colonel Hinsdale when the town was first established, the Trustees could look to grants, such as the Holt Grant. These smaller cemeteries would be less expensive to map and could be done over a period of a few years.

     

     The Trustees believe that it is important to plan ahead for the proper care and maintenance of the cemeteries. Currently a portion of the sale of cemetery lots goes to a perpetual care fund. There are many barriers that prevent access to perpetual care funds. The Trustees believe a better method would be the establishment, through a warrant article, of an expendable trust fund for the purpose of cemetery maintenance, including the purchase of equipment. Another warrant article would designate the funds received from the sale of lots be deposited into the Cemetery Maintenance Fund.  This would allow the Cemeteries to be better prepared when needs arise and avoid the need to turn to taxpayer dollars.

 

Trustee Goal:  To optimize the utilization of lands designated for cemetery use while ensuring financial sustainability for expansion and long-term care.

Action items necessary to achieve the stated goal:

• Purchase more land to expand the cemetery system
• Amend burial rules at Pine Grove Cemetery
• Map cemeteries
• Add to cemetery expansion fund
• Cemetery Maintenance Expendable Trust
• Warrant Article to Designate Funds for Deposit Into the Cemetery Maintenance Fund.