Cemetery Committee raises rates

DUMMERSTON — Citing the costs of perpetual care, and that rates have not increased “since the late 1970s,” Cemetery Committee member Terry Chapman asked the Dummerston Selectboard to approve raising plot fees for the town's public cemeteries.

Chapman also noted Dummerston's cemetery plots cost considerably less than those at other public and private graveyards in the area.

She said mowing and tree removal are big expenses.

Selectboard Chair Zeke Goodband concurred, noting “some things have gone up since” the late 1970s.

Chapman gave the Board her committee's recommendations, and after a friendly amendment was added to the motion, the Board unanimously voted on the increase. Plots at Dummerston's town cemeteries now cost $400 for one, $600 for two, and $1,000 for four.

“Is it enough?” Board member Steve Glabach asked Chapman.

“It's never going to be enough,” Chapman responded.

She suggested the Board address this issue again, perhaps sooner than 40 years from now.

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