Poplar Bluff council members have a grave decision to make regarding the cost of lots in the city cemetery.
A proposal was made Monday to change the cost of spaces from $200 to $300, a 50 percent increase.
The bump would make Poplar Bluff cemetery lots among the most costly of area cities, but less than at least two other private cemeteries in Butler County.
It would generate between $8,000 to $10,000 a year in additional revenue, said city manager Mark Massingham. The city council is expected to vote on the matter Feb. 20.
"After talking to several of the funeral homes in town, and the way our costs keep going up to operate the cemetery, I've been told that most cemetery lots in the area sell for around $400," said Massingham. "Ours have been $200 for many, many years."
Massingham suggested increasing the cost to $300, and looking at lot prices again in a few more years.
Lots at Sacred Heart Cemetery are $300, according to the church.
Memorial Gardens cost between $450-$500 in recent years, according to several area funeral home directors. There was no answer at this cemetery this morning.
Other lot prices for many private cemeteries in Butler County and city cemeteries in Southeast Missouri were $200 or less.
Websites and officials say lot prices for the following city cemeteries are: Dexter, $200; Malden, $175; Puxico, $125 for city residents, $150 for non-city residents; and Cape Girardeau, $100.
According to the most recent figures recorded by area funeral home directors, other lot charges are: Brown Chapel Cemetery at Broseley, $200; Ash Hill east at Fisk, $150; Chalk Bluff at Dexter, $250; Cochran in southern Butler County, $100; and Little Brushy at Wappapello, $100.
Each cemetery also charges grave opening fees and for other expenses.
Poplar Bluff charges $200 on weekdays for the opening of an adult grave, and $300 on weekends.
City ordinances allow the mayor, at the request of a licensed funeral home, to waive the payment of prices and fees for grave spaces for the burial of unclaimed bodies.