Lakeland staff propose CPI-based cemetery and parks fee increases, add family cremation niches

City staff briefed the commission on annual fee adjustments for cemetery services and for parks, recreation and cultural arts facilities.

For cemetery fees, staff said increases follow CPI per an adopted resolution. Staff also proposed two new cemetery products: a companion cremation niche that accommodates ashes for two people and a family cremation niche that accommodates up to three ashes in a single container; staff explained niches are granite boxes with doors located in the cemetery.

Parks, recreation and cultural arts fees were presented with multiple CPI increases and four non‑CPI changes. Staff said the 20-visit pass will increase from $40 to $60 to cover rising operational costs (chemicals, weight-room equipment and pool maintenance). Staff also said the adult basketball league fee will rise to $100 to cover increased referee costs. Staff and commissioners discussed timing and public notice; staff said the fee changes are expected to take effect Jan. 1.

Staff said they do not anticipate significant public objection to the increases and will provide notice and signage at city facilities. The transcript records staff presentations and commissioners’ questions about historical fee levels and outreach; no formal commission vote was recorded in the provided excerpt.