Council asks staff to review cemetery rules after request for stackable mausoleums

Joseph Merritt, a licensed funeral director, asked the council to permit “stackable mausoleums” in Brooksville Cemetery so a local resident could be buried beside his first wife without disinterment. Merritt noted similar practices in neighboring counties and said mausoleums can be built to prevent settling when vaults are used.

Parks staff told the council there are a few existing mausoleum-style crypts and side‑by‑side crypts but no current policy to permit three‑high stacked crypts on two plots. Parks and Recreation noted concerns about settlement, maintenance and who would be financially responsible for future repairs because the cemetery does not have a perpetual care fund.

Council members said the request highlighted inconsistencies in the cemetery’s current rules — including a prior change that allowed up to six cremated remains in a single grave with no additional fee. Mayor Tanner and other councilors agreed they preferred a comprehensive review rather than approving a single exception. Council directed staff to review rules, consider fee changes and propose language covering height, width, placement, perpetual maintenance responsibilities and interment options.

City Manager Richard Hainley told the council staff would attempt to return with recommended rule changes by the second meeting in April, but the item could slip to the May meeting. Council asked that the review address whether disinterment would be required in some cases, whether a full plot fee should be charged for stacked crypts and how to handle perpetual maintenance obligations.

No formal ordinance was adopted tonight; the council’s direction was to have staff prepare proposed rule language and report back.