Smithfield Council weighs cemetery expansion, new fee structure as plots run low

City Manager Justin Lewis told the Smithfield City Council on March 11 that the city cemetery currently has fewer than 140 plots available and presented expansion and policy options to stretch capacity.

Lewis outlined two primary expansion options: opening land east of the cemetery to create approximately 3,048 regular burial plots and 1,350 cremation plots at an estimated cost of $1,068,082, or developing an undeveloped middle section that would add roughly 602 plots. Lewis said that with the current demand—about two burials per week—the smaller middle section could sell out quickly unless sales are managed.

Councilmembers discussed several policy levers to manage supply and maintenance costs. Lewis proposed options including limiting plot purchases until the time of death (with two plots allowed for married couples), reserving sales for residents only, and increasing nonresident fees. Councilmember Todd Orme suggested increasing the resident fee from $650 to $700 and raising the nonresident fee from $1,600 to $2,000 as possible starting points; staff said they would compare Smithfield’s rates with nearby cities before returning with a recommendation.

Councilmembers also discussed creating a dedicated cremation-only section and using plot stacking to extend capacity. Justin Lewis emphasized that the cemetery does not generate profit and that maintenance currently relies on general-fund resources; impact on the General Fund and long-term capital needs informed the council’s interest in fee adjustments. Lewis told the council he would return next month with a proposed policy and fee schedule for formal review.

No formal action or vote was taken; the council directed staff to prepare the draft policy and comparative rate information for the next meeting.