Young County approves interlocal agreement with Graham to preserve William D. Johnson Cemetery

The Young County Commissioners Court voted 5-0 to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Graham to preserve the William D. Johnson Cemetery and adjacent land after ground‑penetrating radar identified possible burial sites outside the cemetery’s existing fence line.

County officials said the survey results showed potential graves on county land north of the cemetery fence, on city land west of the cemetery (currently used as a parking area), and a possible site on Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) right-of-way to the east. The county and city agreed the preferred approach is to preserve the area rather than remove or develop it.

Under the agreement, the county will clear and level rock west of the existing cemetery fence, extend the cemetery fence across the city parcel and install a double gate at the existing cutout to allow lawn equipment to enter. The county said it has funds budgeted for cemetery improvements and has spoken with a fence builder about work to be completed when schedules allow. County staff said they will also coordinate with TxDOT about whether work can proceed on the parcel lying in TxDOT right-of-way.

County officials described the ground‑penetrating radar results as inconclusive without excavation, noting the technology can indicate “possibilities” and that further steps would be needed to confirm human burials. Officials said the interlocal agreement avoids transferring title and instead grants the city perpetual access on county property to manage parking and preserve the area.

Commissioner Alan Craig moved to approve the interlocal agreement; Commissioner Stacy Cresswell seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

County staff and the city plan to schedule fence work, remove rock and add soil to even out the parcel west of the cemetery, install the extended fence and gate, and seed the area for grass once work is complete. Officials said they have also discussed whether parking arrangements could be shifted to reduce vehicles stopping on the highway near the cemetery.

The court discussed several uncertainties the survey raised — including the possibility that radar returns could reflect buried septic infrastructure or utility cable rather than graves — and said excavation would be necessary to be definitive. County officials said they will continue coordinating with the city and with TxDOT about work on that adjoining parcel.

The court approved the interlocal agreement to preserve the site and directed staff to proceed with the agreed fence and site work when contractors are available.