County approves purchase of 1.32‑acre parcel near Battle Mountain Cemetery amid local objections

Commissioners approved buying a 1.32‑acre parcel at 385 South Mountain Street (APN 002‑220‑05) from Donald Stewart for $43,000 to expand Battle Mountain Cemetery. The site lies adjacent to existing cemetery grounds and is described by staff as an opportunity to expand the fenced cemetery area and to address parking and traffic challenges during community distributions.

Local resident Bill Schaefer spoke against the purchase, saying it would make the cemetery "jagged" and diminish the quiet, enclosed character created by the cemetery’s tree line. He urged the county to consider an outskirts site for long‑term capacity: "My strong suggestion, cemetery, probably on the outskirts of town where it's not gonna cause interference at all with current buildings," Schaefer said. Staff and commissioners responded that the parcel is an unusual adjacent opportunity, said it would extend cemetery life substantially (especially if an additional adjacent foundation parcel can be incorporated), and noted plans to expand the same fence pillars for aesthetic continuity. The motion to approve the purchase passed by voice vote.