The cost of burial niches at the Sarroch municipal cemetery is increasing again: for the third year in a row, the rates will be adjusted after ten years in which they had remained unchanged.

For the current majority, the increase would be justified by the fact that the rates were significantly lower than the actual costs of burial , while for the opposition it could have been avoided so as not to burden citizens excessively.

From 2012 to 2022 – with the two administrations led by Mayor Salvatore Mattana – a burial space for adults cost 425 euros, reserving the one next door cost 595, and for children 150 .

During the mandate of Angelo Dessì, the price went from 2023 to 535 euros for adults, 794 to book the adjacent niche, 221 for children, to then reach the rates of 645, 905 and 295 euros respectively in 2024.

The cemetery fees that will come into force in 2025 foresee a niche for adults at 755 euros, the reserve at 1,058 euros, and that for children at 366 euros .

Mirko Spiga , leader of “Noi per Sarroch”, criticizes the choices of the majority: “The increases go well beyond the adjustments planned to comply with the Istat code, for the third year this administration chooses to impact on the funeral expenses of families: from January 1800 euros will be needed to bury a loved one and guarantee a place next to them. When we were in charge, for ten years we made a very clear political choice, deciding not to increase costs: it must be acknowledged, however, that the majority has shown itself willing to discuss our proposal on the deferral of payments”.

Massimiliano Salis , group leader of “Sarroch al centro Progressisti” is on the same wavelength: “The increases seem excessive to me, especially in a period of general difficulty like this. The resources in the municipal coffers are there, and in any case I would have looked elsewhere to cover the cost of the cemetery service”. Umberto Russo , councillor for Heritage, justifies the increases: “The rate was significantly lower than the actual costs of burial, we were forced to intervene due to the ten years in which the previous administrations did not implement a program to adjust the rates, as had even been foreseen by a council resolution. We have started a gradual adjustment of the rates, with increases scheduled for 2022, 2023 and 2024. Today, we have reached 755 euros for a single burial niche: a rate that is still very far from the real costs incurred by the body for this service”.

The mayor, Angelo Dessì , put an end to the controversy: “We understand that the decision to increase the rates can be a matter of debate; however, we believe that this difference in approach is a matter of political responsibility and sustainable management of services. Despite the increase, the rate does not even cover the cost of the burial niche, all management of cemetery services remains the responsibility of the Municipality: when you think for the good of the community and not just to be re-elected, you must have the courage to make unpopular choices”.

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