City now able to buy back unused cemetery plots

If you own an unused plot within Sundance’s cemeteries, the city is now able to purchase it back from you at the same price you paid to acquire it.

Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz requested permission for this venture at last week’s council meeting, explaining that it is not uncommon for people to purchase plots and then find they no longer need them. This can happen, for example, because family members move away or because alternative decisions are made about burial arrangements.

This has never been a particular issue for the city, said Lenz, “but we really are becoming short on cemetery plots.” The proposal would therefore help the individuals who own unwanted plots while also helping the city by eliminating the problem of numerous empty plots that will never be used.

Mayor Paul Brooks agreed that there is a development cost associated with adding more plots to a cemetery. Ensuring that all plots are used will save the city money in the long run, he said.

Lenz’s proposal was to buy the plots back for the same price as the individual paid. Council Member Callie Hilty made a motion to allow the city’s clerks to purchase back cemetery plots; the council passed the motion.