Ludlow board removes cement-vault requirement for full burials

The Ludlow Board of Cemetery Commissioners voted unanimously on May 27 to remove the cement-vault requirement for full burials while preserving the option for families to use a vault if they prefer. Bruce Schmidt moved the measure and George Tucker Jr. seconded; the motion carried without dissent.

Cemetery Sexton Doug Sheehan presented a two-column summary of arguments for and against eliminating the requirement. He told the board that vaults “cost $1,500 and up” and that the company that previously delivered vaults has gone out of business, requiring funeral homes to arrange delivery themselves. The staff memo reviewed public interest in natural and green burials, potential family savings (listed in the memo as $1,000 to $3,000+), and noted that Vermont law (18 V.S.A. §5302) recognizes vault-free natural burial grounds. Board members raised concerns about ground settling, maintenance and fairness to families with pre-purchased plots under prior rules; Doug Sheehan said the oldest part of the cemetery has no vaults and is not sinking.

Under the board’s adopted change, vaults will no longer be required cemetery-wide for full burials; families may still choose to use a vault. The motion implementing that policy was moved by Bruce Schmidt and seconded by George Tucker Jr., and the minutes record the motion as passing unanimously.

The board did not set specific implementation steps during the meeting; members discussed practical issues such as ground refill and future maintenance. The commission indicated staff would update rules and regulations as needed and include the formal change in the minutes.