Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The first reading of an ordinance to raise Oakwood Cemetery fees was unanimously approved Tuesday by the Warsaw city council.
Fees will increase 25 percent across the board for about everything, from lots to foundation costs per square inch.
Burial costs in the Cremation Garden have nearly doubled, with a $70 increase.
At the council meeting councilwoman Trish Brown said the board of regents had studied the increases by comparing rates at municipal cemeteries in northern Indiana.
"We were on the low end of the comparisons," she said. "I do not necessarily concur with the rate increases."
However, Brown voted to approve the new fees.
The council will give the ordinance a second reading at the August council meeting, usually held the third Monday of the month.
Some costs and services remain the same. There will be no charge for a grave opening in Babyland or Garden of Angels or for foundations anywhere in the cemetery for children 2 years old or younger.
A non-resident who owns property within the city limits is considered a resident for the purpose of determining fees.
There will be a charge of $25 per hour for miscellaneous requested work, with a $25 minimum charge per project.
At past meetings cemetery board members said the new rates won't be in effect until Jan. 1.
