Under proposed changes to the city’s cemetery ordinance, the price of lots would go up, city officials said last week.
The change is one of several recommendations for the city’s cemetery code. Some of the revisions are slight changes in the language of the ordinance.
Among the changes:
• The cost of a 10’ by 10’ lot — which constitutes two graves — would increase from $400 to $600 starting Jan. 1, 2012. It would increase to $700 on Jan. 1, 2013.
City Clerk John Angel said a city committee reviewed the costs of other similar cemeteries before deciding on the price.
• Fresh flowers will be removed from the flower receptacles at the cemetery after 14 days, and permanent arrangements that are faded or sun-bleached will also be removed.
• The city clerk’s office will no longer be directly involved in the transfer of lots. Once the deed is transferred, the parties simply need to bring a copy of the deed to the city clerk’s office.
• Vault depth will change to a minimum of 21 inches under the surface, an increase of 3 inches. “That gives enough depth for the grass to take hold,” Angel said.
The proposed changes will be voted on at the council’s next meeting.
In other business:
• The city approved its 2011-2012 budget, which was discussed in detail at a previous meeting. The budget projects modest growth and gives city employees a raise.
• Council members approved a request for a one-day circus to be held in the old Winn Dixie parking lot. Proceeds will benefit the Yancey Jernigan Foundation.
• The city approved a second five-year extension of a lease for the Brewton Area YMCA.
• The council approved a public hearing for Oct. 11 on a request to rezone three parcels of land north of the Oaks Cafe on U.S. 31 from residential to business.