Commissioner proposes ordinance to require signage for county cemeteries; suggests small grants to help owners comply
June 11, 2026 | Vigo County, Indiana
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Commissioner Chris Schwitzer presented a draft ordinance to require visible signage for non-private cemeteries in Vigo County and suggested the county consider a small grant program to help owners cover the cost.
Schwitzer told the committee the county has roughly 120 cemeteries, many with unclear ownership or no up-to-date contact information. The proposed ordinance would require cemetery owners — except fully private family plots — to post a metal sign indicating ownership, a physical address and contact information (phone, website or email). Schwitzer said a durable metal sign with a stake could be produced for about $200–$250.
He acknowledged objections from owners who lack resources and asked the committee whether the county should create an application process or a small A-line budget item so owners could apply for reimbursement after showing proof of purchase or a quote. He also proposed a 90-day compliance window tied to area planning or code enforcement noise, with modest fines intended to encourage compliance rather than punish small owners.
Why it matters: County staff said they receive daily calls about unmaintained cemeteries and that establishing clear ownership and contacts would help the public and county agencies respond to maintenance and safety concerns.
Next steps: Schwitzer said he would circulate a formal ordinance to county officials, area planning and the mayor for feedback and asked the committee for direction on whether to place a small grant program in the current or next budget cycle.
No vote was taken at the meeting; discussion continued and the commissioner planned to return with a final draft and possible funding language.
Schwitzer told the committee the county has roughly 120 cemeteries, many with unclear ownership or no up-to-date contact information. The proposed ordinance would require cemetery owners — except fully private family plots — to post a metal sign indicating ownership, a physical address and contact information (phone, website or email). Schwitzer said a durable metal sign with a stake could be produced for about $200–$250.
He acknowledged objections from owners who lack resources and asked the committee whether the county should create an application process or a small A-line budget item so owners could apply for reimbursement after showing proof of purchase or a quote. He also proposed a 90-day compliance window tied to area planning or code enforcement noise, with modest fines intended to encourage compliance rather than punish small owners.
Why it matters: County staff said they receive daily calls about unmaintained cemeteries and that establishing clear ownership and contacts would help the public and county agencies respond to maintenance and safety concerns.
Next steps: Schwitzer said he would circulate a formal ordinance to county officials, area planning and the mayor for feedback and asked the committee for direction on whether to place a small grant program in the current or next budget cycle.
No vote was taken at the meeting; discussion continued and the commissioner planned to return with a final draft and possible funding language.
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