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Smithfield council signals higher nonresident cemetery fee, plans to open new sections
Summary
Council reached consensus April 8 to not require a death before purchase, to open Sections D-1 (93 full-sized plots) and D-2 (cremation) and to raise the nonresident plot price to $3,500; staff will return formal ordinance/resolution language in May.
City staff presented a revised cemetery map and proposed fee changes at the Smithfield City Council meeting on April 8, recommending immediate opening of Sections D-1 and D-2 and proposing a buyback program for unused plots.
City Manager Justin Lewis said the revised map identifies Sections D-1 (93 full-sized burial plots) and D-2 (designated for cremations) and recommended opening those areas next, noting Smithfield has limited remaining cemetery space. Staff also proposed a plot buyback option offering $400 or the original purchase price with proof of purchase.
Councilmembers discussed residency rules and enforceability. Several members said they want to preserve plots for residents and discourage speculative purchases; Councilmember Todd Orme said requiring a death before purchase would impose an additional burden on families. By consensus the council did not adopt a death-before-purchase requirement and directed staff to return formal fee and opening language in May, with a proposed increase to $3,500 for nonresident plot purchases to preserve availability for city residents.
Mr. Lewis noted state law allows reclamation of unused plots after a legal process of roughly 60 years but that the procedure is lengthy and had produced minimal results when Smithfield pursued it about a decade ago. No formal resolution vote was recorded at the April 8 meeting; staff will present the finalized language and any formal action for council consideration at a future meeting.
