PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (AP) - The city of Philadelphia has increased the cost of plots at three publicly own cemeteries.

The Neshoba Democrat reports (http://bit.ly/Tk82fW) the fee to open and close a grave also will be higher.

The new fees take effect Jan. 1.

The cost of plots at the Cedarlawn, Eastlawn and Donald Rest cemeteries will increase to $400 and the fee for opening and closing a grave will also increase to $400.

Currently, the city charges $300 per plot and $350 to open and close a grave in Cedarlawn and Eastlawn cemeteries. Plots in Donald Rest Cemetery are currently $150.

Aldermen say families using Donald Rest have relied on funeral homes to open and close graves. If a family requests that the city do the work, the fee would be $400 as well.

Information from: Neshoba Democrat, http://www.neshobademocrat.com

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