Florence council approves $24,995 contract for cemetery design after months of public input

The Florence Town Council voted 6–1 on Tuesday to approve a direct-select contract with Lee's and Associates for an initial analysis and design of improvements at Florence Memorial Park in an amount not to exceed $24,995.

Paul King, speaking for staff, told the council the firm would create an actionable plan incorporating cemetery industry best practices, including a water management plan to address about 92 existing rogue hose bibs and a study of a columbarium to accommodate rising cremation rates. "Staff's seeking tonight direction from council to move forward with this proposal, to create an actionable plan that will represent cemetery industry best practices," King said.

Several residents who had served on an ad hoc cemetery committee and members of the public urged the council to adopt the committee's recommendations and to proceed with design work. "I would like you to consider very seriously how important it is for us to conclude and finalize the recommendations made by the committee," community member Karen Wall said during the call to the public.

Council members who served on the ad hoc committee described extensive citizen engagement and years of volunteer work. Council member Bucellato, who moved the contract, said the work was needed and that spending $24,995 was ‘‘minimal for what we should have been doing out there this whole time.’’ Mayor Eaton said a third party would help "take the emotion out of it" and provide a neutral design reflecting the committee's agreed rules.

Council member Benzina opposed the contract, arguing town staff could handle improvements and pointing to unspent cemetery budgets in prior years. Benzina cited budget figures from 2021–2025 and said, "I'm against spending $25,000 to hire another consultant when we have people on our staff that I think could come up with some pretty great ideas." The motion carried on a reverse roll call: Adam, Neal, Bucellato, Maldonado, Bedford and Mayor Eaton voted yes; Benzina voted no.

Next steps: staff will execute the contract with Lee's and Associates and return with the consultant's recommended plan and any required budget or implementation requests.