Attorney General's office to meet in Perry County on cemetery complaints; court clarifies cemeteries are privately owned

A member of the Perry County Fiscal Court announced that division heads from the Attorney General's Office will come to Perry County to hear residents' cemetery concerns in person on May 1 at 11:00.

"They're gonna be here on May 1, and we'll probably do it right in here right at 11:00," the Committee member said, inviting residents to bring questions or contact the office beforehand. The member said the AG divisions handle most of those issues and will help route complaints to the correct department.

The presiding official clarified the county's role in cemetery maintenance: "Cemeteries are privately owned," the Chair said, adding that the county provides courtesy maintenance to about 500 identified cemeteries where possible, including work performed through the county's work-release program. The Chair noted some larger private cemeteries operate under trust agreements or endowments and are responsible for their upkeep.

The Committee member explained those private arrangements are typically trust agreements between private parties and that the Attorney General's Office has authority to step in to address concerns. The AG visit is intended to let residents speak directly with officials from those AG divisions so complaints can be forwarded to the proper department.

The court did not take formal action on the issue at the meeting beyond announcing the AG visit and clarifying county maintenance responsibilities. Residents seeking more information were advised to contact the office noted by the Committee member.