Trustee and city staff begin talks over possible city role in Pleasant Grove Cemetery

Township Trustee Aubrey Burress told Pleasantville officials on July 21 that township leaders have begun discussions with city staff about whether the city might take over maintenance of Pleasant Grove Cemetery or provide services under a 28E intergovernmental agreement. Burress said the township manages four cemeteries, with Pleasant Grove the largest at about 27 acres, and that the township expects about $52,000 from the cemetery levy next year. "If the cemetery is deeded to the city, no cemetery levy would be available because cities cannot levy for cemeteries," Burress cautioned; she said the township currently pays about $35,000 annually for mowing and reported plot sales of $27,000 last year and $5,000 the year before.

City Administrator Rachel Reynolds and Trustee Burress emphasized no decision is needed now and asked staff to begin exploring options, including a 28E agreement in which the township would retain the levy and pay the city for maintenance. Reynolds and Council Member Jordan Van Ness noted the city currently lacks manpower and equipment to mow the cemetery and would likely need to contract the work if it assumed maintenance. Council directed staff to review options and funding implications ahead of any future decision; a legislative change discussed by township trustees could prompt requests for city involvement as early as next fiscal year.