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Williston approves ordinance change and raises cemetery fees starting Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
Commissioners approved the second reading of Ordinance 1174 to move utility-rate changes to resolution and adopted cemetery fee increases (columbarium plaques +$50, memorial plaques +$10) effective Jan. 1, 2026, with an annual review requirement.
The Board of City Commissioners on Nov. 25 approved two administrative items: the second reading of Ordinance 1174, and Resolution 25-027 raising certain cemetery fees.
Finance Director Hercules Cummings told commissioners that Ordinance 1174 is intended "to ensure that any utility rates are done through resolution and not ordinance." The commission approved the ordinance second reading by a 5–0 vote.
Public Works Director Kenny Bergstrom presented recommended cemetery rate changes, telling the board the city faces higher manufacturer costs. Bergstrom said the columbarium plaque fee will increase by $50 and memorial plaques by $10. The commission approved Resolution 25-027, making the changes effective Jan. 1, 2026, and requiring an annual rate review by the Cemetery Advisory Board.
Why it matters: The ordinance change alters the legal mechanism for setting future utility rates (moving those actions to resolution), and the cemetery fee adjustments update charges to reflect supplier cost increases. Both measures passed unanimously.
Both items were recorded as approved during the Nov. 25 meeting; staff will implement the cemetery fee changes with the Jan. 1, 2026 effective date.
