MUNHALL, Pa. — Paperwork obtained by Channel 11 News Friday revealed the domino effect of financial troubles for the Homestead Cemetery in Munhall that led to its bankruptcy filing. However, the actual dollar amount the cemetery owes was far less than many expected.
The issues persisted so much so that the care of the cemetery lapsed, leaving people such as Mary Kamauf, whose son is buried at the cemetery, to step up.
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“It's hard. It's hard for my husband. He has arthritis. His health isn't good at all, but he's doing this for me,” she said.
Since Channel 11’s last visit to the cemetery, it was clear that family members of the loved ones buried there have continued to come cut the grass despite the fact that the cemetery is in bankruptcy.
Paperwork showed the bankruptcy petition was filed last month and shows the anatomy of a failing business that was unable to stabilize. The property, valued at more than $500,000 when taking into account its equipment, owes just less than $10,000 to various creditors.
For some, that number came as somewhat as a surprise.
Many said they thought the cemetery’s finances were in much worse shape, especially since records show it still has $1,500 in its checking account.
“You think it would be more, well more,” Kamauf said. “To go bankrupt over $9,000, something's not right.”
According to a press release from officials, Munhall Borough has established a Munhall Borough Homestead Cemetery Maintenance/Repair Fund'in preparation of the anticipated federal bankruptcy appointed trustee directing Munhall Borough to maintain the cemetery grounds.
"Munhall Borough, while sharing neither direct connection nor legal obligation to the Homestead Cemetery Company other than its land is located within the Munhall Borough confines, is pro-active in attempting to help the situation pending action by the Cemetery Board,” Munhall Borough Manager Robert Callen said in a written statement.
Anyone wishing to donate to the fund may do so by sending cash or a check to the "Munhall Borough Homestead Cemetery maintenance/Repair Fund" at the First Commonwealth Bank located at 4600 Main Street in Munhall.
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