Cemetery concerns may be laid to rest

After years of complaints, West Elfers' owners and the association demanding improved maintenance will meet.

By CAMILLE C. SPENCER, Times Staff Writer
Published November 20, 2007

Members of the West Elfers Cemetery Association say the historic burial ground needs regular maintenance from its owners, the county and Catholic diocese.
	[Mike Pease | Times]

ELFERS - For years, members of the West Elfers Cemetery Association say, the cemetery has more closely resembled a weed-infested dumping ground than a place where the dead are laid to rest.

And for years, they have battled with the county and the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, joint owners of the property, over why regular maintenance isn't being performed, especially after a joint agreement last year made the diocese responsible for cleanup every couple of months.

For the first time, representatives from the three groups will sit down today to hash out the matter during a meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. at the County Commission building.

In addition to maintenance, Jeff Cannon of the cemetery association said he would like to have access to financial statements that detail how money from the cemetery's $280,000 trust fund is being spent.

"Our main demand is that the diocese perform the maintenance they've agreed to, replacing the fence to secure the cemetery and adding security lights and electricity," Cannon said.

"They not only have a legal obligation, but a moral obligation, too."

Joseph DiVito, attorney for the diocese, didn't return a call on Monday seeking comment.

Nicki Spirtos, assistant county attorney, who will attend today's meeting, said she hopes the three parties can come to an agreement. "We want to reach a consensus as to the capital improvements that should be made, which would include a fence possibly, and removal of dead trees," she said.

The 3-acre cemetery is 130 years old. It was owned by Richard Milbauer until he died in 1981. A $100,000 trust fund was left behind for cemetery maintenance, administered by AmSouth Bank.

The diocese and the county split the deed on the cemetery's property.

Over time, the trust grew to $270,000. When interest income wasn't enough to support maintenance fees, the bank transferred maintenance control to the diocese.

County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand said she has spoken with Cannon and residents near the cemetery about the maintenance issues.

"Everybody wants the same thing: to have that little piece of the west Pasco cemetery to be preserved and look nice," she said. "Let's hope they resolve it."

Camille C. Spencer can be reached at cspencer @sptimes.com or 727 869-6229.

[Last modified November 19, 2007, 22:15:28]