Council approves design and bids plan for Lindon Cemetery phase 2, including cremation garden

Lindon City Council authorized staff on Dec. 2 to advance the design of Cemetery Phase 2 to the public bidding stage and to return with bid results for budget consideration.

Staff and cemetery sexton Juan Garrido described Phase 2 as a continuation of the city’s cemetery expansion, including completion of drive loops, additional burial plots and a new cremation garden with a central columbarium and perimeter niches. The engineering estimate for construction and initial hard‑scaped monuments was roughly $1,160,000; that figure included roadway, plotting/surveying, irrigation, drainage and purchase/installation of columbarium units and monument bases for the first phase of the cremation garden.

Council members discussed timing and financing; staff said the cemetery is in the general fund and that the city previously set aside funds but reallocated them to higher‑priority projects this year. Staff recommended bidding in spring so that, if bids are favorable, construction could proceed next fiscal year. Juan Garrido said demand is increasing for cremation options and that pre‑buying some hardscape (columbarium units and base pads) helps with installation and gives residents a tangible option to select.

Council voted unanimously to approve the plan and to authorize staff to solicit bids. The council noted that if bids exceed budget expectations staff will bring options (phase reductions or deferment) back to council.

Ending: Staff will solicit bids in early 2025 and present results and a funding plan during the next budget cycle.