Mayor announces columbarium plan as cemetery plots near capacity

Mayor Portover told Vermillion City Council that Maple Grove Cemetery has nearly sold out of available burial plots and the city will add a columbarium to provide inurnment options. The mayor said cemetery manager Mark Riddle recommended a wall-like structure that accommodates 72 niches for urns.

Portover told council that the move responds to changing preferences; she cited a trend that 63% of Americans choose cremation, and said the columbarium would provide an alternative for families while conserving land. The mayor described the structure as an option for residents who prefer cremation or want a smaller site footprint.

No formal council action was taken at the meeting; the item was presented as part of the mayor nd cemetery manager's report and will be available for future discussion, permitting and design review as required by city policy. Council members asked no substantive questions during the report.

Mayor Portover also noted the city operates three cemeteries and that adding the columbarium aims to address limited burial space.