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Smithfield opens two cemetery sections and raises plot fees for residents and nonresidents
Summary
Council approved opening Sections D1 (traditional) and D2 (cremation) of the city cemetery and adopted Resolution 2026‑05, increasing resident full‑size plot fees to $800 and nonresident full‑size plots to $3,500, adding half‑size plot options and a buyback policy.
The Smithfield City Council voted May 13 to open Sections D1 and D2 of the municipal cemetery and to adopt fee changes for burial plots.
Staff described Section D1 as planned for traditional full‑size burials and Section D2 for cremation plots; the existing two‑plot purchase limit remains in place. Councilmember John Engler moved to open the two sections and the motion passed unanimously.
Separately, the Council adopted Resolution 2026‑05 adjusting the prevailing fee schedule. Key changes included raising the resident full‑size plot fee from $650 to $800 and the nonresident full‑size plot fee from $1,600 to $3,500. The resolution also added half‑size plot purchase fees — $400 for residents and $1,750 for nonresidents — and established a plot buyback option at $400 or the original purchase price, whichever is greater, with proof of purchase required for reimbursements above $400. Staff said the new cremation service fees would apply for weekday and weekend rates but did not list exact dollar amounts in the discussion.
Public commenters had earlier raised concerns about preservation of large historic trees in the cemetery and recommended protective setbacks; staff said additional space around those trees had been designated and blocked out in the plan.
Both the opening of Sections D1/D2 and the fee resolution were adopted 5‑0 (Engler, Downs, Olsen, Orme, Staker). Staff noted that some road and infrastructure work will be required even if the opening occurs in phases and that engineering estimates for the east side of the cemetery are approximately $1.068 million.
