Property owners ask Jackson County to allow utility pole relocation into Sweezy Cemetery corner

Members of the Jackson County Pioneer Cemetery Commission and neighboring property owners presented a request to move a utility pole and three meters to the edge of Sweezy Cemetery to improve safety and allow large farm equipment to pass. George Doherty of the Pioneer Cemetery Commission described the site as about 2 acres, roughly 40% of which is used for burials and the rest a hayfield; he said the Mayberry family asked to move the pole to an unused corner and offered to pay relocation costs.

Board members raised legal and liability questions, asking staff to confirm whether pioneer-cemetery designation imposes restrictions on placing permanent utility infrastructure and to consult the utility (REC) about easement terms and responsibility for the pole and any future damage. Sue Mayberry told the board she is coordinating with Gruen Electric and said the family will address fence repair and access. The board asked staff to gather REC contact information and to place the item back on the agenda with those answers; no final decision was made at the meeting.