Rehabilitation of the iron fence surrounding Marietta's Mound Cemetery could cost between $168,900 and $250,000, depending on which one of five approaches is selected by City Council members, who also have to decide how to pay for the upgrade.

John Church, of Vincent, was low bidder on all five alternates, according to Councilman Jon Grimm, R-3rd Ward.

"But we're going to have to look at what's going to give us the best value, not just pick the alternative with the lowest cost," Grimm said.

Jean Yost with the Washington County Historical Society's Mound Cemetery Committee said the project has been discussed for more than 20 years, although the current council has only been dealing with the issue for a little over a year now.

"But we, as the historical society, prefer that the existing fence be renovated," he said at a Wednesday meeting of council's lands, buildings and parks committee. "But if a new fence is installed, we would prefer that the old fencing not be melted down, but that the pieces be put up for auction."

The current barricade was originally installed in 1931 and runs more than 2,000 feet around the perimeter of the historic cemetery that covers an entire city block and contains graves of Marietta's founders dating back to the 18th century.

But the most distinguishing feature is the prehistoric mound around which the graveyard was built.

John Michel has a magnificent view of Mound Cemetery from the front porch of his home on Cutler Street.

"They do a great job taking care of the cemetery, but I think they should leave the fence the way it is," he said Thursday, "although other neighbors might have a different opinion."

Sixth Street resident Dee Arnold agreed with Michel.

"I would really hate to see the original fence taken down," she said. "It's like an old house; they just don't make them like they used to. That's what makes Marietta so unique. And this fence is part of the historic ambiance of our town."

At the meeting Wednesday, Church said the approach that would probably work best calls for refurbishing all of the existing fence and gate components, including the horizontal rails, then protecting all of the metal components with a three-part paint system.

"That's not a bad alternative, and it would please more people," Church said, although he noted it would be more difficult than replacing the structure with new fencing.

Now that the bids are in, council will have to work out a way to pay for the project.

Councilman Andy Thompson, R-at large, and chairman of the finance committee, said Wednesday that money has not yet been set aside for the fence project from the capital improvement fund.

Councilman Tom Vukovic, D-4th Ward, said he would like to see a capital improvement plan first so council would know what other projects are planned using those funds.

"We're going to do this project, but we should know where we stand with capital improvements before we spend the money," he said.

Church said his bid quotes were targeted toward a 2010 completion date, and noted he could do some work through the winter.

Grimm said Thursday that he will schedule another meeting of the lands, buildings and parks committee in the next couple of weeks to determine the next step.