Board approves contractor mowing, schedules headstone repairs after liability concerns

The Fairfield Cemetery Board agreed March 12 to contract a private vendor to mow the cemetery four times this summer at a stated cost of $485 per visit, citing liability concerns for volunteers operating equipment near headstones.

Board members said volunteer mowing presents risks of stone damage and personal injury; Committee member (S4) described the decision as driven by insurance and liability considerations. "Rather than say, well, you guys don't qualify, we're just saying that because of liability, no one can do it," the committee member said, explaining why the board will hire a contractor.

The board also arranged preservation work for two upcoming sessions. Amy, a preservation specialist referenced in the discussion, will come on April 7 and May 5 to supervise repair of several large broken headstones; board members will meet at the cemetery at 6:00 p.m. those days to assist and learn the repair procedures. Amy will bring tools and also gave the board supplier guidance so staff (Cody) can order additional supplies for summer maintenance.

Why it matters: The contractor hire shifts routine groundskeeping from informal volunteers to a paid vendor to reduce risk to the memorials and to the town’s liability. The board indicated town equipment will remain available for other town mowing duties, but cemetery mowing that involves paid municipal employees or volunteers is constrained by insurance and policies.

Next steps: The board said it will notify staff and the vendor (Tristan) when to begin mowing. Members will coordinate the April and May preservation sessions with Amy and order the recommended supplies for summer work.