Council sets commemorative brick price at $87, staff to revisit fee after data review

The Saint Cloud City Council approved a new commemorative brick program for Mount Peace Cemetery on Aug. 14 and set the initial price at $87 per brick, with staff agreeing to return with a cost breakdown and a recommendation if the fee should be adjusted.

Parks staff told the council the city’s out-of-pocket cost for a brick is $2; engraving requires a minimum order and costs $60 per brick order, and staff included a $25 administrative fee for order processing. Staff noted they will not place an engraving order until at least 10 bricks are collected; the council asked staff to return with documentation showing how the $87 price was calculated.

Deputy Mayor Mary Gilbert proposed considering a $100 price to build a small reserve for long-term maintenance; staff and other council members preferred to launch the program immediately at the $87 rate and readdress the fee during the city’s fee-resolution process in September. Staff said they will upload an application to the city website and accept online or in-person orders at the community center.

Why it matters: The brick program funds cemetery recognition and contributes small ongoing maintenance duties; the requirement to collect 10 orders before engraving affects timing and turnover for applicants.

All quotes are drawn from staff and council remarks at the Aug. 14 meeting.