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Commission raises questions about proposed $5 burial/cremation fee for state vandalism fund
Summary
A commission member presented proposed state legislation to add a $5 fee to burials and cremations to fund a state vandalism account; members questioned paperwork burdens and local benefit and said the bill's status was unclear.
Committee member Joe Mangan brought a copy of proposed state legislation that would impose a $5 fee on each burial or cremation to fund a state vandalism fund and handed the commission a printed copy. "They are asking for a $5.00 fee for any burial or cremation," Mangan said during the March 26 meeting.
Members asked how the town would benefit if collected funds went to the state and whether the change would create additional paperwork for the town. "How is this supposed to benefit our Town if the money is sent into the state?" asked Susan Lyons. Daphne Herwig noted the commission already carries insurance for vandalism; members expressed concern about proving vandalism and the administrative burden. Joe Mangan said he was not sure whether the bill had been voted on at the state level.
No formal vote or referral was taken by the commission; members requested the item remain under observation and flagged the need for more information, including a bill citation and whether the town would be required to file annual remittances to a state account.
