The City of Orange City has launched new online cemetery software designed to make it easier for residents to search burial records and explore available lots at West Lawn Cemetery.
The new system replaces outdated software inherited when the city assumed cemetery operations years ago. Support for the previous vendor’s system had been dropped, prompting the city to begin searching for a modern replacement more than a year ago.
City Clerk Janet Brown says one of the primary goals was to improve public access.
Under the previous system, burial information available to the public was limited to an Excel spreadsheet placed in a kiosk at the cemetery. The new platform allows residents to search records from home, view section and plot information, and see burial locations marked with a pin on an interactive map.
Users can also explore available cemetery lots through an interactive lot selector and submit an online request to purchase a space. Submitting a request notifies city staff for review, though availability is not confirmed until approved.
Brown says the new system also provides a clearer visual experience compared to traditional paper maps.
The total cost of the cemetery software was $40,596. The Orange City Council approved the purchase, with funding coming from the city’s general fund.
Future enhancements include adding a QR code at the cemetery so visitors can scan and navigate directly to burial locations on their phones. A mobile app with step-by-step directions is also planned.
City officials say the new tools are part of Orange City’s ongoing effort to improve access to information and better serve the community.
The featured photo is courtesy of the City of Orange City
