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Trustees review budget trends, authorize research on grave sales and probe burial capacity; green burials noted for future consideration
Summary
At its Jan. 22 meeting the Thomaston Cemetery Board reviewed the town-prepared budget for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027, asked staff to research past grave sales to inform fee planning, and authorized a sexton probe to test whether a lot has room for additional burials; an assistant sexton raised green burials as a future topic.
The Thomaston Cemetery Board of Trustees reviewed budget preparation and burial capacity at its Jan. 22 meeting, directing follow-up research and operational checks.
Chairman Ryan Fitzpatrick presented a town-prepared budget covering July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 that he had reformatted for clarity. Trustees discussed adding a dedicated line item for grave repair to make future budgeting clearer.
Trustee Sue Christensen was asked to research past records on grave sales — both full-body and cremains burials — across several fiscal years to identify revenue trends. Trustees noted that if income falls short of expectations, the board may need to consider fee increases; the minutes do not record any fee decision at this meeting.
Under the sexton report, Sexton Pete Lammert said a lot owner requested that the sexton probe a site to determine whether room exists for additional burials. The board recorded that Sue will work with Marlene (town staff) to help determine names and locations of graves on the site to support the probe.
Assistant Sexton Ron Gamage raised green burials as an item gaining popularity and said there is space west of the crematorium; trustees deferred further discussion to a later meeting.
The record shows a procedural vote on a 'Breen amendment' was taken out of order on a motion by Fitzpatrick (7–0); the minutes do not include the amendment text or subsequent substantive action on it. The board scheduled its next meeting for March 26, 2026 and adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
