Hebron Cemetery Transfer Request

At a glance

  • What: the Hebron Cemetery Board asked the Town to take over the funds and stewardship of historic Hebron Cemetery on Hebron Church Road.
  • Where it stands: ongoing. Council was reluctant on September 22 and planned a collective decision at the October 5 meeting.
  • Next: the October 5 agenda lists the item; no minutes are posted yet.

The request

  • The cemetery dates to 1856, with 36 veterans buried.
  • Hebron United Church of Christ closed in 2022, selling its land and church; sale proceeds were put into a cemetery fund and in 2023 Hebron Cemetery became an incorporated nonprofit.
  • Speakers Mike Davis and John Grossochme told Council on September 8 that the Board wants the money kept dedicated to perpetual care, would put no initial burden on the Town and would cover the legal costs of the transfer.
  • Berkley Alcorn serves on the Cemetery Board.

Council's concerns (September 22)

  • The cemetery is active and needs grave sales, surveying and records the Town cannot staff.
  • Precedent for other cemeteries.
  • No exit mechanism.

Status and next steps

  • Council agreed to decide collectively at the October 5 meeting how to respond, including Alcorn and Robin Moon who were absent on September 22.
  • The October 5 agenda lists the item; no minutes are posted yet.

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