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Council weighs cemetery budget shortfalls, software purchase and special-district option
Summary
Public Works Director J.R. Nield told the council the cemetery requires $12,000–$15,000 in annual general-fund support and recommended a cemetery-records software (staff identified 'Cemify'); council directed Council Member Dirk Hillyard to work with staff to explore creating a cemetery special district.
Public Works Director J.R. Nield told the Afton Town Council on Feb. 11 that the town has been supplementing cemetery operations from general funds at roughly $12,000 to $15,000 annually to cover equipment rentals, winter burial labor and extra snow preparation costs.
Nield said the town’s current paper-based records are inefficient and that staff member Niki Miles researched software options, recommending Cemify for its mapping and record-keeping features. Nield urged the council to consider purchasing software to improve record accuracy and reduce dependence on individual staff knowledge.
Mayor Jeff Jensen asked for a volunteer council member to work with staff to learn the process for forming a cemetery special district to stabilize funding and responsibilities. Council Member Dirk Hillyard volunteered to work with J.R. Nield, Stockton and Niki Miles and to report back to the council.
Council discussion focused on whether a special district would shift maintenance responsibilities and on the need to identify long-term funding sources before changing governance. No formal motion to purchase software or form a district was made; council directed staff to develop options and return with more information.
The council’s next regular meeting is March 11, 2025, when staff will present follow-up information if available.
