Covington's Southview Cemetery off Conyers Street is a beautiful place filled with generations of Covington families.

However, the cemetery hasn't had any available plots for many years and that's prevented current residents from being able to bury their loved ones there.

At the Aug. 15 council meeting, local businessman Billy Fortson offered to donate to the city a third of his 0.96-acre parcel adjoining the cemetery at 2197 Church St.

The land would be donated to the city, and the city would then deed back one or more of the newly created cemetery plots to Fortson. Fortson is paying for a land survey and appraisal of his property, and once that's complete the city will be able to move forward.

That process has caught the eye of a few Covington residents who would also like a plot. Resident Ester Fleming requested to be put on a waiting list for the plots.

That sparked a discussion among the council, which ultimately decided it would start a waiting list.

City Manager Steve Horton said the city is not advertising the waiting list, because officials have no idea yet of how many lots will become available or when they will be available.

Residents who wish to be included on the waiting list should contact Administrative Assistant Audra Gutierrez at agutierrez@cityofcovington.org or by phone at (770) 385-2010.

The other issue is that under the city's current ordinance, cemetery plots only cost $25 plus the cost of maintenance. The council decided that price was outdated and it will revise the price based on price comparisons in other cities, ranging from $325 to $800 per plot. Some cities have separate fees for residents and non-residents, who have to pay a premium.