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Towns last line of defense

What’s happening at the Cassadaga Cemetery is not uncommon at other sites around the region. Maintaining burial grounds is a financial strain on the village or association – and something will have to happen in the future.

Enter the town of Stockton.

“The cemetery in Cassadaga is in trouble, so eventually, if they bail out, the town doesn’t have a choice,” said Dave Wilson, Stockton supervisor. “They approached me and wanted some help. I asked, ‘is this legal?'”

Of course it is.

When a municipality – or an association – can no longer deal with upkeep issues, the burden falls to the town. This means complete responsibility.

And if the town fails to keep up its end of the bargain – one they never really wanted – family members and relatives of those laid to rest at the site will become unhappy if the grounds are not maintained. Stockton, for all intents and purposes, is likely on the hook for this site – ready or not – when the village finally walks away.

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