FUNDING for Port Stephens cemeteries could be split into two categories with closed and historic sites getting the bare minimum while operational cemeteries would get enough "to attract customers".
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The proposal comes after the section went through its sustainability review which aims to find savings but not cut services across the council.
A report to council states there are two types of cemeteries in Port Stephens with the first being historic and closed cemeteries - including Raymond Terrace Pioneer, Hinton and Birubi Cemetery as well as Nelson Bay Cemetery which is closed except for existing reservations.
The second type of cemeteries are the income producing operational cemeteries which includes Raymond Terrace, Seaham, Karuah and Anna Bay cemeteries and Carumbah Memorial Gardens.
A council report stated the historic/closed sites should be funded only from general revenue and "presentation to be basic level", while operational cemeteries, which are income producing, be funded from a combination of fees and charges, income and funds from general revenue with "presentation to be of a standard to attract customers".
In total cemeteries cost council about $237,000 a year to operate with the average cost of a burial plot in the area $740.
Based on a recent survey of all Hunter councils, Port Stephens plot costs are the third cheapest sitting behind Great Lakes Council which charges an average of $500 and Maitland which charges $658.
The most expensive is Lake Macquarie which charges $950 while Sandgate Cemetery, which is on Crown Land, costs $1735.
Councillors will vote on the proposal at this month's council meeting.