MOUNT FOREST – A much-discussed cemetery in Wellington North was on the forefront at a council meeting on Monday.
Added to the agenda in part to discuss the facility’s aging fence and damaged entrance, the costs associated with running the Mount Forest Cemetery took centre stage at the Monday meeting.
Councillor Sherry Burke was hesitant to take staff’s recommended option, and increase fees incrementally over three years, with the cost of living adjustment. Burke said the township would need to be cautious in doing so.
The numbers Burke referenced include operating costs over $100,000 in 2020 and well above municipal counterparts in recent years.
The report before council went on to say comparing Wellington North’s costs to those of Guelph/Eramosa or Mapleton may be challenging. However, Wellington North saw an average of $74,900 in operating costs.
Burke told council she is open to exploring different options to defer costs.
Mayor Andy Lennox echoed these sentiments, and says there are still options that can be explored while taking the jump council did on Monday.
Average costs for neighbouring municipalities were just under $42,000.
Council moved forward with option one, the three-year increase, with only Burke in opposition.
The township will be upping fees for things such as burials and scattered gardens. With the increase, the cost of a single grave purchase will rise to nearly $2,000 by 2026.
The cost of a scattering garden will also jump to $200 from its current $150 rate.
