Grayville Mayor Travis Thompson advised the board that cemetery prices needed to increase, partly due to comparisons with surrounding towns.
“Cindy and Bob had looked at other cemeteries around, it would be my recommendation that we make those changes and it would be effective January 1st, 2027.”
The rates discussed include, with the new cost effective January: full burial grave opening $700; weekend full burial $900, up from the original cost of $650; holiday full burial $900, up from $650; cremation grave opening includes weekend and holiday $500, and grave space will be $1,000, which was a big increase from the original price of $450.
All commissioners approved the rate increase, except Commissioner Browning.
After the executive session, the board returned and approved hiring Mitchell Malone as a full-time patrol officer.
For old business, the board explained that the cemetery markers will be allowed at the discretion of the Sexton’s and the cemetery operator, rather than being limited to Section 18. That was voted approved unanimously.
Mayor Thompson and the board accepted appointments made due to Commissioner Ford’s resignation: Commissioner Baldwin to the Cemetery Committee and Commissioner Neeley to the Parks and Loan Committee. The board also passed the IMLRMA Insurance and membership renewal at a cost of $71,696. The 2026-2027 tax levy was discussed, with the idea that the board keeps the estimate the same as the prior year in the amount of $267,182.
The only other item that was tabled until the next November meeting was the dispatch agreement. Mayor Thompson stated that Jay Walden, City Attorney, will review the contract more thoroughly.
The next City of Grayville meeting will be on November 23 at 7 pm.