Harrisburg City Council, attempting to bring in more revenue.

In their regular council meeting Harrisburg City Council made fee changes that will effect the process in which a person is laid to rest.

Before the meeting took place, the fees that were charged to anyone burying a person within the city limits only applied if there was a "Service". The change would permit the city to collect the fee anytime a grave is dug.

This includes burial of caskets, vaults, and cremation remains. It would also include any above ground mausoleums.

Along with the change in service fees, the fee itself would be raised from $75 to $100. Currently the fee collected is going to the general fund, but within this change that money would be specifically allocated to different projects.

They would go for the purchase of a new computer and software of Cemetery database programs for keeping accurate records. The Harrisburg Cemeteries are currently using an old DOS based system.

GPS grave locating equipment purchases and updates, as well as new office equipment.

The city is currently averaging 85 to 100 burials per year which is generating between $6,000 and $8,500 at the $75.00 but will increase the revenue to between $8,500 and $10,000 per year.

The motion passed and final approval of ordinances will take place at the next scheduled board meeting on Feb. 18.

Additional discussion took place over the availability of the Harrisburg Country Clubs use of the water reservoir located behind the old Smugglers Restaurant. The discussion of a contract between the country club and the City of Harrisburg took place at the Jan. 21 regular meeting.

The contract would allow the Harrisburg Country Club to utilize the water on the property in the event of a drought scenario, to help keep their greens in good order.

The lake located at the country club became very low several years ago and at that time there were no back up plans if the water was gone.

The initial proposal in the contract stated 20 years at $10 per year to have the right to use the water if needed. No pumps would be installed at the property, but the country club would bring in temporary ones if and when needed.

The motion passed and ordinances are being compiled to be voted and approved at the next scheduled regular council meeting.