Winamac officials want to hear from residents about a potential future investment that would be utilized to commemorate lost loved ones.
During the last few Town Council meetings, members have been discussing the possibility of putting a columbarium in the Winamac Town Cemetery.
Representatives from Patten Monument Company supplied officials with a packet of information and presented some details when members met in May.
One Patten rep noted, “A columbarium is a permanent granite structure used to entomb cremated remains of individuals in the community as a memorialization.”
Councilwoman Judy Heater noted that it is a way to utilize a small amount of space for a number of individuals. She added that now seemed like the ideal time to consider such a purchase.
She explained, “We thought if we were ever to consider something like that, the cemetery committee I’m talking about now, we thought it would be a good time to consider it since we’re putting in the new section.”
The Patten representatives presented members with six different options, ranging from $20,750 to $50,500. The varying prices depended on the size and amount of detail.
The reps also supplied officials with multiple funding projections about how the Town would be able to feasibly afford the structure.
When members met for their June meeting, Town Council President Tom Murray said he wanted to make sure this was something the public was interested in before they decide on anything definitively.
He noted that if enough people indicate that they’re interested in such a thing then it should be something they could consider.
If you or someone you know seems like they would be interested in seeing an option like this erected in the newly established McFarland Addition of the Winamac Town Cemetery, contact officials by calling 574-946-3451.
