When Ron Taylor took over Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur, it was overgrown and almost out of money.

"It was in bad shape," he said.

Twelve years later, the cemetery is well tended.

It has even managed to reverse some of the ravages of time.

Twenty-six stones have been repaired - paid for by $30,000 from the state Division of Cemeteries.

"The state gave us no problem whatsoever. They were more than willing to help. You just have to fill out a lot of forms," said Taylor.

The money comes from a $5 state vandalism fee on public cemetery burials.

What many don't realize is that the fund pays not just for vandalism but any stone considered a danger.  

"You take pictures of the monuments that you feel are unsafe. Then the state will come in after you call them and submit your form. They'll come in and take a look at it and if they agree with the ones you've got designated, they'll send you the money," said Taylor.

Riverside's success has also been built on heavy community involvement.

"In this community we have fundraisers every year and they come through for us every year and that gives us money to operate on," said Taylor.

He says dedication is a must.

"Almost to the point of having a personal interest, if you're willing to get phone calls on Sunday or whatever, you need to do to run it," said Taylor.

Meanwhile, St. Mary's Cemetery near Ogdensburg is considering a new approach - lining up sponsors of damaged stones to get them fixed.

"We want to make this cemetery look presentable and ultimately to last for many years," said Scott Boyer, business manager for St. Mary's parish.

Even if you don't care much about cemeteries, if you're a town taxpayer, you should.

State law says if a cemetery becomes abandoned, it's the town that has to take it over and maintain it.

See Part 1