The Grayville City Council approved increases to cemetery rates, authorized the hiring of a full-time police officer, and addressed several other matters during its regular meeting Monday night. Mayor Travis Thompson told commissioners that cemetery fees needed to be adjusted, citing comparisons with rates charged by surrounding communities.
Under the new fee schedule, which takes effect in January, the cost of opening a grave for a full burial will be $700. Weekend and holiday full burial openings will increase from $650 to $900. The cost of opening a grave for cremation, including weekends and holidays, will be $500. The price of a cemetery grave space will increase from $450 to $1,000.
The rate increases were approved by the council, with Commissioner Browning casting the lone opposing vote.
In other cemetery-related business, commissioners unanimously approved a change allowing cemetery markers to be placed at the discretion of the cemetery sextons and operator, rather than restricting them to Section 18.
Following an executive session, the council approved the hiring of Mitchell Malone as a full-time patrol officer with the Grayville Police Department.
The council also approved committee appointments following the resignation of Commissioner Ford. Commissioner Baldwin was appointed to the Cemetery Committee, while Commissioner Neeley was appointed to the Parks and Loan Committee. Commissioners approved the city’s Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association insurance and membership renewal at a cost of $71,696.
The council also discussed the proposed 2026-2027 tax levy, with the possibility of keeping the estimated levy unchanged from the previous year at $267,182. No final action on the levy was reported.
Meanwhile, consideration of a dispatch services agreement was tabled until the next meeting. Mayor Thompson said City Attorney Jay Walden would conduct a more thorough review of the proposed contract before commissioners take further action.