Although it probably should be a last resort, it’s good that Lawrence city commissioners are looking at the possibility of taking over Memorial Park Cemetery.

The cemetery, which currently is under private ownership, is facing not only a host of complaints from families of people buried there but also an investigation by the Kansas attorney general. The AG’s office is looking at an audit that showed the cemetery’s owners had not complied with a state law that requires private cemeteries to deposit 15 percent, or at least $25 per plot, from burial plot sales into a permanent maintenance fund.

The best course of action at this point probably is to work to resolve the situation with the current owners or hope that the cemetery will be sold to a more conscientious private owner. Barring that, the cemetery might be sold to the city or, depending on the outcome of legal proceedings, be turned over to the city to operate. In either case, it’s good to look ahead and consider the potential costs to the city.

The city has done a good job of pursuing complaints about the cemetery and trying to remedy the situation. Even though the cemetery is privately owned, it reflects poorly on Lawrence to allow it to remain in disrepair. The city is right to prepare itself to take the necessary action to restore proper maintenance at Memorial Park.