Trending
LISBON -- Non-residents wanting to move into the Lisbon Cemetery will have to pay more than those who live in town.
Village council this past week passed on first reading legislation that not only raises most cemetery rates but also creates a two-tiered system that charges non-residents a slightly higher fee.
Cemetery board member Gene Krotky told council they did not think it was fair village residents should pay the same as non-residents since residents are subject to a cemetery levy those who live outside of town do not have to pay.
The price of a general cemetery lot and burial that occurs Monday through Friday will increase from from $600 to $800 for residents and $900 for non-residents. Burials that occur on a weekend are subject to a higher rate since cemetery workers are paid overtime.
The price for burying cremated remains or interring them in the columbarium remain unchanged.
The cemetery's two main sources of funding are the levy and what they earn from burials and selling lots, both of which have plummeted over the past 10 years as more people opt for cremation. As a result the board spent $9,000 more than it took in last year, forcing them to again dip into its balance.
The cemetery budget usually runs between $100,000 and $125,000 a year, and receives no funding from the village.
Krotky said even with the increases their rates are still less than cemeteries they surveyed, including cemeteries in East Liverpool, Calcutta, Salem, Columbiana and East Palestine.
The legislation must pass on two more readings before it takes effect.
In other action, council member Ryan Berg reported a comprehensive update of the village zoning code has been completed and will be ready to approve on first reading at their next meeting. The village contracted with Environmental Planning & Design of Pittsburgh to do the work.
Berg said their zoning ordinances have been badly in need of updated and were more of a hindrance than a help. "We need to make it work for us" and this is the purpose of the proposed changes, he said.
Council:
-- Agreed to spend $4,664 to replace about 150 traffic and street signs in town. Mayor Peter Wilson and Council member Linda Donnalley said they would pay for signs advising bicyclists using the Greenway Trail where they can eat in town.
-- Rehired Trevor O'Rourke as a part-time police officer. O'Rourke, 24, quit his job with the village in 2018 after being charged in Mahoning County with OVI, which was reduced to a misdemeanor, and having a handgun in the vehicle at the time, which was also reduced to a misdemeanor.
-- Promoted police officer Fred Carlisle to sergeant in place of Kody Watkins, who asked to go back to patrolman.
-- Learned the village received a $6,750 grant through the state bureau of workers compensation to purchase 50 sets of gloves and hoods for village firefighters. The village must contribute $1,350 toward the purchase to qualify for the grant.
-- Learned village solicitor Alec Beech, in concert with the zoning inspector, filed 12 building violation charges and one zoning violation citation in county municipal court.
Council's next meeting on Sept. 8 will be held at the fire department.
tgiambroni@mojonews.com