Greendale Cemetery file photo

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Greendale Cemetery, the final resting place of many Dearborn County residents, is running a deficit to the tune of thousands of dollars.

Cemetery Manager Roger Bipes approached Lawrenceburg City Council on Monday to request $31,500 in funding. He said that the cemetery had a shortfall of $43,000 during the 2011 fiscal year.

Bipes pointed to the fact that the number of burials are down. About half of people and families are opting for cremation instead.

The cemetery has been borrowing to stay liquid for operations and upkeep, Bipes said.

Bipes told council that he will request another $31,500 from the City of Greendale.

Lawrenceburg City Council approved the funding request on a 3-2 vote. Council members Aaron Cook, Bill Bruner, and Mike Lawrenceburg voted for the measure while Jane Pope and Doug Taylor cast the two dissenting votes.