Charleston adopts new cemetery ordinance allowing one casket plus up to two cremations per headstone

Charleston — The Charleston Town Council adopted Ordinance 2026-02 on May 7, 2026, revising cemetery regulations to permit one full burial and up to two cremations per headstone and to require that a single headstone list all individuals interred together.

Councilmember Jim Brown introduced the ordinance, which he said was developed after reviewing practices in Wallsburg, Midway and Heber. Michael Bauer moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-02; Scott Solum seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The ordinance repeals Resolution 2001-05 and Ordinance 2014-02, according to council discussion.

Council members said the change is intended to keep the cemetery orderly and consistent across plots. The ordinance allows the council to consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis, and staff indicated implementation steps such as updating plot records and signage would follow. The transcript does not specify an effective date; the town clerk or staff will post final ordinance text and the effective date in the town records.