Elk City, OK – Elk City officials are continuing plans to expand Fairlawn Municipal Cemetery as available burial spaces become increasingly limited.

During a recent Elk City Commission meeting, commissioners considered a $374,280.11 bid from H & H Construction for the cemetery expansion project. However, questions surrounding the bidding process, particularly the lowest bid, prompted officials to delay a final decision pending additional review.

Elk City Mayor Micah Kilhoffer said the commission had previously approved moving forward with the expansion approximately six months ago.

"We've got more property, but obviously that has to be developed and streets and things have to be put in place to do that," Kilhoffer said. "Basically what this is, is to go ahead and start that project."

According to Kilhoffer, the proposed expansion would add approximately 1,700 burial spaces to the cemetery. He estimated that between 800 and 900 spaces currently remain available.

The mayor indicated that the expansion would likely extend west of the existing cemetery, although he noted that the exact direction would need to be confirmed. The city also owns additional property north of the cemetery that could accommodate future growth.

Kilhoffer said the project remains a priority despite the delay in awarding a construction contract.

"Big picture, expansion is on the horizon. Things are happening," he said.

The mayor also emphasized the importance of long-term planning for cemetery operations, noting that burial space is a finite resource that municipalities must continually address.

"The thing about it is, it's just going to continue to grow. You can't reuse spots. You can't downsize," Kilhoffer said.

The construction bid is expected to return to the commission for consideration after city officials complete their review.

Copyright 2026 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.