Resident urges clearer records and oversight for West Baldwin Cemetery

Several residents raised concerns about record-keeping and recent activity at West Baldwin Cemetery, asking the board to clarify plot ownership and to ensure the town's maps are updated when burials occur.

One resident said that while a map exists, its markings are confusing and that some plots show names on stones but not corresponding burials in town records. The resident said a funeral had taken place and the town had not been informed despite the gravedigger (Gary Wesley) being present, and asked the board to note ownership of a specific plot and allow placement of a family stone next to a mother’s plot.

"Legally, this belongs to your grandfather," the resident reported being told by a former selectman when discussing plot ownership; the board clarified that "closed" cemeteries may not be selling additional plots but are still used for burials where deeds or pre-purchased plots exist. Board members said they have maps but acknowledged they can be confusing and that they do not have a formal cemetery association to manage records.

Residents urged that when burials occur, the town update its map records, and one volunteer offered to help form a committee to assist with records and upkeep. The Chair and members said staff would make notes regarding the specific plots mentioned and encouraged residents to follow up so the records could be corrected.

What happens next: board members asked staff to make a note of the specific plots and to consider whether a volunteer committee might help manage ongoing cemetery records and upkeep.