Milton Historic Cemetery parcel to be sold

MILTON — April 9 Milton City Council voted to sell a parcel of land on the north side of Berryhill Road, listed in the name of the Milton Historic Cemetery, and use the proceeds to make improvements on the remaining cemetery property.

City Manager Randy Jorgenson said currently the parcel has nothing on it and advised council to declare it as surplus property and proceed with the sale at $25,000.

Pamela Mitchell, chairman of the MHC board, said the board plans to use part of the money to build a pavilion at the cemetery. 

"(It is only right that we get) the money that we are asking for because the property belongs to the Milton Cemetery," Mitchell said.

Council asked about whether Keyser Cemetery, which sits only a few feet away from the historic cemetery, would receive any of the proceeds from the sale. 

Mitchell said because the Milton Historic Cemetery is a city-owned cemetery, while Keyser is privately owned, the latter would not receive funding. Mitchell said she has been working with Councilwoman Mary Ellen Johnson to purchase Keyser. She added the family members who owned the cemetery have passed away.

Mitchell said it is time for the two cemeteries — which were once segregated — to come together.

"We would love to see Keyser and Milton Cemetery fall under the same umbrella," Mitchell said. "There is a need for it."

Jorgenson said both cemeteries receive $5,500 per year from the city for maintenance needs.

Council will continue discussion on the two cemeteries at the committee of the whole meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton Historic Cemetery parcel to be sold