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New Lisbon board repeals 1996 ban on family and private cemeteries
Summary
After a public hearing, the New Lisbon Town Board adopted Local Law #3 of 2024, which repeals Local Law #2 of 1996 and removes the town-level prohibition on family or private cemeteries; local officials said private burials must comply with New York State rules and do not qualify for property tax exemptions.
The New Lisbon Town Board adopted Local Law #3 of 2024 on Dec. 10, formally repealing Local Law #2 of 1996, which had prohibited family and private cemeteries. The motion to adopt the local law carried 3 Ayes/0 Nays; the law takes effect upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State.
Supervisor Edward Lentz, who opened the public hearing earlier that evening, said "yes, with the old law repealed, people could be buried on private property, but they would have to adhere to the NYS rules on private burials." Resident George Knarich asked whether repeal would allow burials on private property; Lentz confirmed it would. Assessor Pamela Dyn-Gohde told the Board that "people can’t get a property tax exemption on private burial sites, only public cemeteries can get tax exemptions," clarifying that the town's repeal does not create a tax-exempt category for private sites.
The repeal follows a public hearing portion of the meeting; the Board closed the hearing after the questions and comments and later returned to adopt the measure during the regular meeting. The measure was moved by Councilman Brian Ryther, seconded by Councilwoman Melaina Woodbeck, and recorded as carried 3 Ayes/0 Nays. The adopted law will be effective upon filing with the NYS Secretary of State, per the motion language.
