MURTAUGH — The future of Artesian City Cemetery could hinge on what the Murtaugh City Council decides as area residents encourage the city to take ownership of the one-acre cemetery.

The cemetery near Murtaugh generated controversy earlier this year after allegations that graves were disturbed when trees and weeds were removed. An investigation by the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office found that there was no criminal intent or desecration. One headstone that was removed had to be put back in place and rededicated.

The investigation also found that the one-acre tract of land is owned by the Coiners, a farming family with long historical ties to the region. That discovery has left a question as to who should own the land.

At Murtaugh’s council meeting on Wednesday, area resident Mychel Matthews encouraged officials to take ownership of the cemetery so it has a permanent owner. Matthews said people in the community want to volunteer to restore the cemetery and plant native grasses and plants there.

Matthews stressed that she’s not asking for any money from the city for the cemetery work.

“We intend to do this without any cost to the city,” Matthews said. “There are a lot of people that are chomping at the bit to take care of this.”

Matthews encouraged the city to take ownership so the cemetery has an established entity that will own it for years to come.

Councilman Marc Barry encouraged the city to take ownership.

“The city really is the best alternative,” he said. “In my opinion, I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Mayor Dee Hunsaker suggested that the council wait until next month’s meeting to make a decision so they have more time to think about it before making a decision. The council agreed to table the decision.

The council meeting came after an informal meeting last week that was attended by about a dozen people, including the sheriff’s office and residents interested in the cemetery’s restoration.

Twin Falls County Commissioner George Urie attended the meeting last week, and described his involvement as more on a “person level” than as a county commissioner.

“Keeping it under a public entity solidifies the ownership of it,” Urie said at the council meeting.

In an interview, state Sen. Chuck Coiner, R-Twin Falls, whose family owns the cemetery, said his position has been that it belongs to a public entity such as the city or a cemetery district.

Ben Botkin may be reached at bbotkin@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3238.