Rawlins Council Pushes for Improved Cemetery Maintenance

JUNE 24, 2025 |

Photo – Decorated plot at Rawlins Cemetery – Bigfoot99 file photo

The Rawlins governing body is pushing for improved cemetery maintenance. During the June 17th Rawlins City Council meeting, Councilman Terry Patterson said members of the public have approached him about the poor condition of the city’s cemetery. Councilman Patterson asked if Public Works was planning to address the issue.

City Manager Tom Sarvey said some areas of the cemetery have been neglected. He explained the current city policy directs workers to focus on the city’s green spaces, such as Washington Park. Once those areas are completed, workers spend the remainder of their day at the cemetery.

City Manager Sarvey said he directed the parks crews to work more efficiently so they can dedicate more time to the cemetery.  Sarvey also suggested enlisting the assistance of other Public Works Department employees to improve the appearance of the graveyard.

Councilman Patterson asked if the cemetery’s sprinkler system was functioning, adding the graveyard contained many areas of dead grass. City Manager Sarvey said parks crews are aware of the issue and plan to restore the grass in those damaged sections.

Assuming the full Public Works Department can assist, Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked when the cemetery mowing would be completed. City Manager Sarvey said once started, the job will be finished within a few days. However, Sarvey said a city-wide shortage of employees makes it difficult to determine when the mowing project can begin.

Councilwoman Lewman directed Sarvey to have the cemetery fully mowed before the July 1st City Council meeting.

Mayor Jacquelin Wells said the City Council is planning to hold a public workshop on the state of the cemetery before its July 15th meeting.