County commissioners renew maintenance contracts for pioneer cemeteries

YORK COUNTY – The York County Commissioners have renewed maintenance contracts for the two abandoned pioneer cemeteries in their jurisdiction.

​One is the Cashler Union Cemetery, which is located along the Seward/York County border, right next to Interstate 80.
The other is the Zion Cemetery which is located in the middle of cornfields, about a half-mile off a county road, in the Arborville area.
Each of these cemeteries has been declared as abandoned – meaning they are not connected to any entity or church – and thereby, the county is responsible for making sure they are mowed at least two times a year.
Austin Johnson has been caring for the Zion Cemetery for a long time, along with family members. Jen Higginbotham has been caring for Cashler.
The county, by state statute, is allowed to spend up to $1,000 on each cemetery. The commissioners acknowledged how both caretakers do way more than just mow the cemeteries twice a year – and said they appreciate the dedication.
This year, the commissioners talked about a request from Higginbotham to allow an extra $250 for repairs at the cemetery if they are needed.
“I’m not sure what repairs might be needed or if she is qualified to make those types of repairs,” said Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier, as he opened the discussion.
Commissioner Daniel Grotz said he felt repairs, such as for fixing a fallen marker stone, would be within the realm of not needing certified knowledge in doing so.
“We probably would just need clarification from her as to what might need to be repaired,” Obermier said. “As far as mowing, I think we need to pay them both the same.”
“Are the cemeteries about the same size?” asked Commissioner Joe Burgess.
Obermier said they are, noting each one has its own nuances – such as access to Zion is much more difficult while Cashler gets more visitation and probably needs more care.
A request had been made by Johnson to allow for a mowing fee of $900.
“I think the repair money would be fine, they would just need to send in the receipts,” Commissioner Andy Bowman said. “If they are willing to take the time and care as they do, I say we let them.”
“If we pay them the same, we won’t be able to allow the $250 for repairs because we will go over the $1,000 threshold,” Grotz pointed out.
“She asked for $250 flex for repairs, if needed,” Obermier said.
The board decided to authorize $900 for each person for the mowing, “and if more is needed for repairs, she can come to us for the repairs to be authorized.”