HAMMOND — The Pleasant Valley and Hammond cemeteries are hoping to save on maintenance costs by using the town Highway Department’s services.

Facing a lack of funds and increased maintenance costs, Hammond’s four cemeteries presented the Town Council with a $6,000 budget proposal in September. The money would have been divided evenly among Rarick, Hammond, Pleasant Valley and Old Hammond cemeteries.

“We did start with a proposal, but the $6,000 did not make it through the first budget cut, in light of the fact we’re facing a 25 to 30 percent increase in the tax levy,” Town Supervisor Ronald W. Bertram said Tuesday.

Instead, the Town Council offered lawn care and maintenance services through its Highway Department. “We are allowed to offer services to the cemeteries,” Mr. Bertram said. “I think we can work out a schedule with our superintendent, and crews can even do tree work and road repair as needed.”

The Hammond and Rarick cemeteries opted out, saying that their associations have contracted lawn care services for the year. But Pleasant Valley and Old Hammond accepted the program.

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