Cemetery commission asks commissioners to keep maintenance funding at $30,500

Julie Slussleman, representing the Franklin County Cemetery Commission, described the commission’s work maintaining pioneer cemeteries across the county and requested the same $30,500 budget it sought the prior year to fund restoration, fencing repairs and contractor work. “We currently oversee 30 pioneer cemeteries in 10 townships,” Slussleman said, and she noted that many sites are fieldstones or unmarked graves requiring preservation work and signage.

Slussleman told commissioners the commission tries to educate the public and help preserve historic burial sites; she said past restoration work (about 20 years ago) is now showing wear and will require additional improvements. The commission cited contractor-maintained cleaning and stone repair at Brookville Cemetery as an example of visible progress and said requested funds will be used solely for restoration and maintenance.