Fees at the city’s three cemeteries will see the first of five rate increases this year, funds that city officials say will help to better maintain the cemetery grounds.
The fee increase was approved as part of the city’s annual budget process and will increase rates for lots and burials by $50, excluding interment rates for infants, according to a city news release. The rates will increase by $50 each year through 2023. A more expensive nonresident lot space was also added.
The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department oversees three cemeteries: Oak Hill, Maple Grove and Memorial Park. Parks and Rec Director Derek Rogers said that cemetery fees had not increased since 2012 and that a cost analysis indicated that Lawrence’s rates were in the low to midrange when compared with those charged by other cities.
Read more: LJWorld.com.