Are there no backhoes in Georgia? Dig the thing up and look at it. Then you'll know what the heck it is. If they can't find an operator, I'll be glad to come down and do it for $1000/day, plus travel and expenses. Sheesh!
Or, they could hire a couple of illegal immigrants, supply them with shovels and they'd have the hole dug by lunchtime.
They are working in a cemetery. Legally, you have to get permission from living family member and court order to dig up a grave, or around the grave of someone.
Gov't red tape.