New Lenox Township Cemeteries Rebound with January Profit as Maplewood Expansion Talks Progress

New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | February 12, 2026

Article Summary:
Following a net loss at the end of 2025, New Lenox Township’s cemetery operations posted a $5,490.62 profit in January. The financial turnaround comes as the Board awaits contractor quotes necessary to evaluate the potential acquisition and expansion of burial grounds at the Methodist church at Maplewood.

Township Cemetery Operations Key Points:

• Financial Rebound: Cemetery revenues hit $7,430.49 in January against just $1,939.87 in expenses.

• Maplewood Expansion: The Township is awaiting a retaining wall quote from Allied Landscape before finalizing a land acquisition discussion regarding the Methodist church property.

• Historical Preservation: The Board authorized a contractor to proceed with cleaning and uprighting aging grave markers.

The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees on Thursday, February 12, 2026, reviewed a highly positive monthly financial report for its cemetery department as officials continued laying the groundwork for future property expansion.

Trustee Annette Vogt, who manages the Township’s Cemetery portfolio, reported that January generated $7,430.49 in revenue against minimal operating expenses of $1,939.87, resulting in a net income of $5,490.62 for the month. The strong start to the year marks a sharp turnaround from December 2025, when the department operated at a net loss of over $5,200.

The financial update was delivered as the Board actively evaluates spatial limitations and expansion opportunities to ensure long-term burial capacity for local residents.

Vogt informed the Board she is currently waiting on a specific construction quote from Allied Landscape for a retaining wall at the Methodist church property at Maplewood. The retaining wall is a key variable in the Township’s potential acquisition of the church’s property.

Supervisor Cass Wennlund advised Vogt that once the Allied Landscape quote is received, she must return to the Board with a comprehensive presentation. Wennlund stipulated that the Board needs to review the exact number of potential graves the Township would acquire and an estimate of the revenue generated from selling those plots before the Board can officially authorize the land acquisition.

In the interim, the Township is prioritizing the maintenance and preservation of its existing historical burial sites. Vogt reported she received quotes from a contractor, identified as Paul, to preserve aging grave markers. The contracted work will primarily involve cleaning and uprighting leaning headstones to restore the dignity of the plots.

Because the preservation quotes fell comfortably within the department’s existing budget, Supervisor Wennlund confirmed that the contractor was given the authorization to proceed with the work and submit the final invoice upon completion.