The City of Summerville is being asked to do more to help with the upkeep of the Summerville Cemetery.  A group called Friends of The Summerville Cemetery came to the last Summerville City Council meeting to request that the city appropriate more funds to provide for maintenance at the cemetery.

WZQZ News has received several comments from area residents who are unhappy with the poor conditions at the cemetery.  One person with loved ones buried at the Summerville Cemetery said, “The city needs to do something about that place.  It is sad when our elected officials don’t care about the families they serve”.  Another sent a comment saying simply “The Summerville Cemetery is a disgrace”.

Currently the city is providing some funding, but not nearly enough for the necessary grounds maintenance at the cemetery.  The city has also provided some services such as cutting down some trees, but the cemetery is not city-owned and is overseen by a private board of directors.

Summerville Mayor Harry Harvey sounded reluctant to commit to more money for the cemetery, but some council members are indicating that they would like to see more done.  Councilman David Ford said that the cemetery’s upkeep is important to the overall appearance of the city for potential businesses.  Councilman Joe Money recommended that the city get quotes on needed maintenance at the cemetry.

But Mayor Harvey said before any more funds are allocated for the cemetery, the cemetery board – which currently consists of only two members – would need to make a formal request to the council.