Title
Discussion and Possible Action on Proposed Revisions to Cemetery Fee Schedule
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the Proposed Revisions to the Cemetery Fee Schedule as presented.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the Proposed Revisions to the Cemetery Fee Schedule as presented.
Body
Per County Ordinance, Cemetery Fees shall be approved by action of the County Council, and are subject to change. Fees will be reviewed annually and adjusted as necessary. The fee structure has been evaluated and revised over the years, most recently 2018 and 2021. These changes were broad, addressing service fees and combining offerings making it easier to understand.
Since COVID, the cost of burial liners, plaques and vases have increased substantially. The proposed fee changes will address the deficiency due to rising cost, while streamlining the fee structure.
The cemetery fee summary outlines the proposed changes and their impact. Local residents will see a minimal increase when purchasing a plot and burial package at Guaje Pines Cemetery, with price changes ranging from $100 to $500. Non-residents-those living outside of New Mexico-will experience a more significant increase. Staff is proposing to reinstate the non-resident fee of $1,000 for plot/burial sales. This fee will be added to the selected plot and service fees. The reason this fee was eliminated prior to 2018 is unclear.
Previously, the County offered pre-burial package sales, but this service was discontinued before 2018. Based on best practices, this service should be reinstated to allow customers to prepare for future burial needs, alleviating the burden on their loved ones at the time of passing. The burial packages cover grave openings, liners, burial, and placement of grave markers. Grave liners became a requirement in 2018 when the ordinance was adopted.
Alternatives
Council could choose not to approve the revisions to the ...
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