Cemetery fees go up

A plot at Lone Mountain Cemetery will be more expensive over the next two years.

Carson City supervisors approved an increase in fees intended to allow the cemetery to meet its budget. Fees will go up 10 percent this year, effective Aug. 1, and 15 percent next year.

This year's increase is expected to increase revenue $15,000 to the $156,000 budget. The 15 percent increase is expected to raise almost $26,000.

Parks and Recreation Director Steve Kastens said the cemetery is an enterprise fund, which means it's expected to pay for itself. The cemetery budget generally falls a few thousand dollars short, and Kastens said he hoped the increases keeps the budget "at an even keel."

While the money is meant to keep up with inflation, Kastens said there may be enough money for some equipment replacement in the future.

The cemetery has two employees and relies on a volunteer to staff the office and answer phones. Another volunteer helps with groundskeeping.

Mayor Ray Masayko noted it's hard to drum up business at the cemetery, and he asked that in the next budget session, city officials provide comparison costs to Lone Mountain's competition. Masayko also noted if demand for space at the cemetery decreases, the fee hike won't help much.

BKOUT INFO

Lone Mountain Cemetery fee increases include:

Service present cost +10%

Grass space $690 $760

Cremation, grass $325 $355

Space, no grass $490 $540

Single crypt $690 $760

Disinterment $800 $880