The Dubuque City Council on Monday approved an agreement with the Linwood Cemetery Association under which the city will assume responsibility for preservation and protection of Linwood Cemetery beginning July 1, 2025, while the association retains ownership and day‑to‑day operations.

Interim Parks and Recreation Director Steve Fasil described the history: the association and city were parties to litigation that led to the cemetery being placed in receivership and the State of Iowa initially assuming financial responsibility. The district court transferred responsibility for preservation and protection of the cemetery to the City of Dubuque effective July 1, 2025.

Under the one‑year agreement approved by council, the association will continue to employ cemetery staff and own the property. The agreement identifies several cooperative commitments: the association will help support a newly formed 501(c)(3), Friends of Linwood, to fundraise and grow endowment resources; the association will assist efforts to seek township formation to allow a cemetery levy within city limits; and the city will appoint one representative to the association’s board and will have access to association financials.

Fasil said the Parks and Recreation budget includes $110,000 in FY26 to support the cemetery pending longer‑term funding arrangements. Ken Miller, a long‑time Linwood board member who spoke at the meeting, said the new 501(c)(3) will allow the cemetery to seek private foundations and bequests that were previously restricted under its 501(c)(13) perpetual‑care status.

Council members thanked cemetery volunteers and staff for work on preservation and noted past and planned partnerships such as walking‑tour and historical programs. County supervisors will be involved if the city pursues formation of a township to support a cemetery levy, City Attorney Krena Brumwell said.

The measure passed by roll call vote 7–0. Councilmembers said they expect continued collaboration among the city, the association and the Friends of Linwood to stabilize the cemetery’s finances and support long‑term maintenance.