Slate Hill Cemetery may become municipal responsibility; town to advertise for volunteer board

The Goshen Town Board discussed Slate Hill Cemetery on Jan. 8 and concluded there is a strong possibility the municipality will assume responsibility if a volunteer cemetery board cannot be found.

Board members said state rules require the town to advertise for volunteers to form a new cemetery board; if none come forward the state may declare the cemetery abandoned and direct the municipality’s next steps. One board member noted limited income sources for small cemetery boards — primarily plot sales and donations — and said reserves are likely insufficient to sustain maintenance beyond the coming year.

Public commenters and board members described a history of dumping in a section of the cemetery and said the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reviewing that area; remediation could be required. A public commenter who said they had followed a truck to the site described petrochemical contamination being discovered and the DEC’s involvement.

The town intends to advertise for volunteers in the local paper and to gather bookkeeping and plot records (identified staff: June/Donovan) to assess whether a volunteer board can be found and what funds remain. The board noted the state will hold a meeting on March 19 in town hall with local cemetery stakeholders; members plan to attend to determine required procedures.

Why it matters: If the town assumes maintenance, it will face recurring costs for mowing and care; available plot sales appear limited and fundraising will likely be necessary. Board members discussed the option of closing the cemetery to new burials if the town takes it over and emphasized the need to identify relatives and interested parties for potential volunteer service or contributions.

Next steps: advertise for a volunteer board, compile cemetery records, attend the March 19 DEC/state meeting, and assess remediation needs and budget implications.