Council updates Ocean View Cemetery fees per master‑plan recommendations

The Astoria City Council approved updated fees for Ocean View Cemetery on June 2, implementing recommendations from the cemetery master plan to increase revenue for perpetual maintenance.

Parks Director Jonah Darman told council the 2020 master plan recommended a 5% annual fee increase through 2029 to keep pace with inflation and rising maintenance costs. The parks board reviewed the proposed fee schedule and supported the update.

Councilor Davis asked whether the proposal represented a 10% increase; Parks Director Darman clarified the master-plan recommendation is a 5% annual increase and the proposed adjustments follow that schedule. The fee resolution was adopted and will take effect July 1, 2025.

City staff said the additional revenue is intended to ensure long‑term care of grave sites and cemetery infrastructure and to maintain required services.