Four years after American Fork stopped selling cemetery lots to the general public, the city is getting ready to buy six acres to expand the cemetery.

But the purchase must be approved by voters. They will go to the polls in November to decide whether to spend $3 million to purchase the land and put in some of the first improvements.

The land is north of property already owned by the city, on the north side of 700 North, along 100 West. There is land at the corner that the city owns. There had been concrete bins built at that location, but they were torn down before being put into use. On that section of cemetery land, the city anticipates it could construct 400-500 burial lots. The portion under consideration could have more than 6,000 lots.

That move has not come too soon.

About four years ago, the City Council declared a moratorium on purchasing cemetery lots. They could only be purchased for the burial of an individual already deceased. One other lot could be purchased at the same time for a spouse or other family member.

Despite that moratorium, the cemetery was running out of room.

"We have had only about 50 lots available, most in undesirable locations," said sexton Ray Garrett. "There could be about 500 additional ones in the new area."

With between 150 and 200 burials a year, that land would be filled up soon, said Councilman Dale Gunther.

"There have been prior attempts to buy land," he said. "The mayor went to the governor, seeking to buy land by the Developmental Center. The state wasn't interested in selling it. We have talked with some property owners who have land close to the cemetery."

City officials are signing an agreement, indicating an intent to purchase the six-acre parcel. There are three conditions that need to be met as part of the agreement:

• Engineering studies must show that the property is suitable for cemetery lots. A high-water table is an example of a condition that could prevent that use.

• The property must be appraised for the selling price.

• The City Council must give final approval.

Gunther said he felt confident that if the first two conditions were met, the Council would agree to the purchase if the funds were available.

Garrett said the cemetery department has been looking for additional property for a long time.

"We have been trying for years and years, probably for about 15 years," he said. "We are at a point where we may not be able to provide for the citizens of American Fork."

He said the current cemetery property is about 23 acres, and has lasted for about 100 years.

"With the population growth, it could be maybe 15 years [for the proposed purchase]," he said. "We have got pages and pages of people on a list to purchase cemetery lots. We are constantly turning people away."

Garrett said he understands the people's wishes.

"They want to prepare," he said. "It is very difficult. They want family to be buried by them. They want to purchase eight to 10 lots."

Gunther recommended that the city make the future price of cemetery lots include funds to buy more cemetery land, when needed.

"We should look at long-range lot needs," he said. "There should be money set aside so that when we need more land, we have a fund in place for it."