Council adopts cemetery code change to add columbarium niches and set fees

The Highland City Council on March 2, 2026, voted unanimously to adopt Bill #26-28/Ordinance #3433, amending Chapter 22 of the city code to allow columbarium niches and to establish fees for their use.

The change was presented by Councilwoman Bellm, who moved approval. Director Brad Koehnemann told the council the city recorded about 70 burials in the past two years, of which 32 were cremations, and that a single 3-foot-by-8-foot columbarium holds approximately 12 niches. Koehnemann said the proposed fee schedule is $1,000 for a single urn niche and $2,500 for a double (couple) niche and described the approach as a space-saving option. "We are seeing more cremations than in past years," Koehnemann said.

Koehnemann also noted that nearby O'Fallon is purchasing its third columbarium after four years of use and that a black granite double headstone typically costs $4,000–$6,000, which the ordinance’s offerings may make unnecessary for some families. The mayor and staff explained the fee structure is set to allow the city to fund additional columbaria after selling roughly 10–12 niches.

Councilmembers Klaus, Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye; none voted nay. The ordinance was adopted as presented.

The change amends the city’s cemetery regulations to add a columbarium option and a defined fee schedule; the council did not attach a specific timeline for installation beyond the funding mechanism described by staff. Any follow-up on procurement or placement will be managed by the appropriate department as the city moves forward.