Fees at the city owned Memorial Park Cemetery are expected to rise between two and 15 per cent. A non-resident fee may also be added. Parks Manager, Ian Wilson, says the current operator of the cemetery has no intention of remaining on once the current contract expires April 30, 2014. He says three respondents to a Request for Proposals for maintenance and operation of the cemetery 'significantly' exceeded the current budget. Two of those also contained provisions for annual increases over three years. "Unlike most municipal cemeteries in BC, the City's cemetery has operated on a full cost recovery basis for the last 15 years without taxpayer subsidy," says Wilson in a report for Monday's council meeting. Wilson adds that a review of fees cross BC found, on average, the City's cemetery fees are lower than those charged in the Lower Mainland, Kamloops and Prince George. Kamloops and Prince George have a five per cent annual increase scheduled for the next few years while Vernon and Penticton are contemplating fee increases. "In order for the cemetery to match projected revenues with expenses, two options were explored." Option 1 proposes a two per cent increase across the board for 2014 for residents of Kelowna while non-residents would pay an additional 25 per cent. Option 2 would provide for a 15 per cent across the board increase for 2014 with no non-resident provisions. "Due to the higher impact of Option 2 on Kelowna residents, staff are recommending option 1," concludes Wilson.
Along with across the board increases adjustments are also recommended to specific base fees.
http://www.vernon.ca/images/uploads/council/agendas/packages/131209_1.pdf
P.191-194 has Vernon's new proposed rates. (For 2014-2016)
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