Cemetery Tax Abatement

Historical Cemetery Preservation Tax Abatement Adopted by Town

On June 28, 2017 the town council unanimously passed an ordinance which will encourage historical cemetery preservation.  Property owners who own a historical cemetery can receive a $100 tax abatement on their property tax if they maintain that cemetery.  Maintenance is limited to cutting brush, mowing, weed-whacking and raking.  It DOES NOT include any work on gravestones.  No gravestones should ever be cleaned, moved or up-righted without training in cemetery conservation.  If you would like to apply for this abatement, you should go to the tax assessor’s office and ask for the application.  BH&PS is very happy that the town council has demonstrated wisdom and forward-thinking on this issue.  BH&PS is trying to get the word out.  If you know someone with a historical cemetery on their property, please inform them of this tax abatement.

Example of a Burrillville cemetery with proper care