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Auburndale commission backs ordinance letting City Manager set cemetery fees, adds annual adjustment
Summary
Commissioners approved Ordinance No. 1852 on first reading to replace codified cemetery fees with language authorizing the City Manager to set prices and add a 2.5% annual adjustment; the changes would take effect Oct. 1, 2026 if adopted on final reading.
The Auburndale City Commission on July 20 approved Ordinance No. 1852 on first reading to amend city code sections governing cemetery sales and service charges so the City Manager may establish prices and fees. The proposed ordinance also adds a two-and-one-half percent annual adjustment for cemetery fees.
City staff said the change responds to a recent survey of neighboring municipalities (Winter Haven, Lakeland, Lake Wales, and Bartow) and was prepared by the Parks and Recreation Director and City Manager's Office with review by the Parks and Cemetery Superintendent, Finance Director and City Attorney. City Attorney Frederick J. Murphy Jr. read Ordinance No. 1852 by title; there was no public comment. Commissioner Crystal Tijerina moved and Commissioner Sean Levy seconded approval on first reading; upon vote, all ayes.
City staff told the commission the last code updates were in 2012 and 2023 and that the effective date for a new rate schedule would be Oct. 1, 2026 if the ordinance is adopted on second and final reading. The ordinance replaces fixed fee language in sections 8-15 and 8-16 with administrative authority for the City Manager to set charges going forward.
