ABOVE: Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont.

FAIRMONT– The topic of whether or not to financially help Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont has been a hot topic of discussion amongst the Martin County Board of Commissioners for nearly a year. On Tuesday the board again debated whether or not it wanted to release one-time funds in the amount of $50,435 for the cemetery, as was set aside for that purpose in the 2024 budget.

The cemetery association first came to the board last July initially asking the county if it would take over control and operations of the cemetery because it was struggling to not only finance the cemetery but find staff to maintain it.

The board held several work sessions on the matter and even toured the cemetery but in October 2023 turned down the request to take control of the cemetery. However, it did set side funds to support the cemetery during its budget workshops in late 2023.

In early March, the board was set to release those funds but several members began doubting whether of not it should go through with the action.

On Tuesday the topic was again discussed. Commissioner Kathy Smith noted that while the funds were budgeted, there have been instances where items that were budgeted for were not ultimately approved.

“I think that’s been common over the years that at budget time we put something in there in case we need it and then make a final decision. That was my thought that if we put it (cemetery funds) in there, that we would have a discussion again,” said Commissioner Elliot Belgard.

He said that while the funds are intended to be a one-time deal, he has concerns that the request may come before the county more than once.

“It concerns me greatly that the city of Fairmont– the other local jurisdiction– isn’t involved in this. That’s what troubles me most,” Belgard said.

Commissioner Steve Flohrs agreed with Belgard, but said that he was still torn because people from all over the county are buried in the cemetery.

“I think we’re opening a can of worms. This is a private institution,” Flohrs said.

Smith pointed out that the cemetery association is also a non-profit.

Commissioner Richard Koons cited state statute and said that because the cemetery isn’t affiliated with a church, the county is the association’s next go-to.

“I look at it as, if we can help them this year and they can get their feet on the ground, it’s better than us ending up with it and getting a $300,000 (annual) bill,” Koons said.

County Attorney Taylor McGowan was then asked if the cemetery would go to the county if abandoned. McGowan said he would need to check state statute for sure but that he believed the county was the entity that would take it over.

Belgard asked whether the county would be obligated to take it over. McGowan said the county wouldn’t be obligated to take it over and would also have the option of shutting it down.

The board talked about the difference between a charter city and a town and what the obligation would be.

Commissioner Jamie Bleess said, “just because we’re not under a legal obligation doesn’t mean we’re not under a moral obligation. The reality is, just because you can let it go doesn’t mean you should.”

McGowan, who had been researching the matter during conversation, said that when

it comes to abandoned cemeteries, only counties have the expressed power to assume ownership, whereas cities and town can take the title through other means. Only counties can statutorily assume control of an abandoned cemetery.

Belgard said he didn’t want to see the cemetery close or become abandoned, but he said he was worried it would inevitably become a problem for another board of commissioners down the road. He also said he worried that if the board granted the funds other groups would come to the county asking for special release of funds.

Smith said that while she was in favor of supporting the cemetery, she would not support just giving the association money in the future.

“We need to see what they’re doing with the money and how their donations are coming in. We need to follow it very closely,” Smith said.

Bleess suggested that the board grant $25,000 to the association now and check in with it again after the busy summer mowing season to see what its financial status is.

“Then we can make a decision on the second portion of the $50,000,” Bleess said.

The board talked about the idea some more and reiterated that it did not want to see any cemetery close.

Ultimately a motion was made to release the one-time funds in the amount of $50,435. The motion passed 4-1 with Belgard opposed.