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.
