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"A cemetery may be considered as abandoned when all or practically all of the bodies have been Removed therefrom and no bodies have been buried therein for a great many years, and the cemetery has been so long neglected as entirely to lose its identity as such, and is no longer known, recognized and respected by the public as a cemetery. 1953 OAG 2978."

Friday, August 18, 2023

Sharing The Best News Yet for Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Ross County, Ohio - Huntington Township to take over Floral Hills Memory Gardens!

 Sharing this article published by the "Chillicothe Gazette" on August 18, 2023.:

"Huntington Township to take over Floral Hills Memory Gardens"

By:

Megan Becker

"Chillicothe Gazette"

"CHILLICOTHE ― Citizens can rejoice as the Floral Hills Memory Gardens conflict comes to a resolution, but Huntington Township trustees grapple with mounting financial challenges.

 The cemetery owned by Ronald Downey and Joseph Miller has been abandoned for over 10 years and has since been cared for by volunteers. The property owes almost $19,000 in back taxes, according to Ross County Treasurer Dave Jeffers.

 At the Aug. 17 status conference, Judge Michael Ater decided the cemetery was public and ownership should be transferred to Huntington Township. Ross County Prosecutor Jeffrey Marks said this decision, "takes away the biggest logistical hurdle to resolving this matter."

 Huntington Township does not officially own Floral Hills Memory Gardens. The next status conference is scheduled at 11 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Ross County Courthouse.

 Marks said the next step is to resolve any tax liens.

Huntington Township Trustee John Cottrill said Huntington Township manages 10 cemeteries. Floral Hills, which would be its 11th property, is larger than every other cemetery combined.

 Community comes together to help Huntington

 Army Veteran Dave Robertson runs the Clean Up Floral Hills Memory Gardens Facebook page and has been the main caretaker of the cemetery since it was abandoned. However, he stopped caring for the cemetery to prompt a response from the court.

 "What I promised Huntington township was if they got [the cemetery] I would put it back to the way it was two years ago when I walked away from it," Robertson said. "It's going to be a nightmare to get that back under control." "

 Robertson is planning on forming a volunteer group to clean up the cemetery one last time before Huntington officially takes over. Cottrill said Robertson plays a crucial role in getting the cemetery, "back to order."

 Huntington Township would have some funds to care for the cemetery, according to Huntington Bank Representative Timothy Long, with access to an endowment fund that generates about $800 to $900 a month in interest per month. However, the township would have to find a way to fund upfront expenses.

 Cottrill said the cemetery would cost Huntington about $300,000 for new equipment and building, bridge and driveway repairs. The entrance bridge to the cemetery requires urgent repairs, with an estimated repair cost of $120,000.

 Before the status conference, Huntington Township trustees approached the Ross County Commissioners to seek financial aid in case the township assumed responsibility for the cemetery. Commissioner Dwight Garrett expressed willingness to explore assistance during the initial transition and restoration if the property was transferred to the township.

 Cottrill said the township also plans on approaching state representatives for financial assistance.

Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting.