Cemetery rates in DeRidder will increase on Feb. 1, with a 3.5 percent increase each year thereafter.  The increase is effective for the Beauregard Cemetery, Community Cemetery, and Wood Lawn Cemetery, which are owned and maintained by the city.
 
The DeRidder City Council passed the ordinance on Oct. 27 last year.  The new rates will be $400 for a single plot, which is 5 ft. by 10 ft; double plots will be $800, 10 ft. by 10 ft.; and family plots will increase to $2,500, 20 ft. by 20 ft.

The city reminds those visiting the cemetery that the hours of visitation are from dawn to dusk, and cemetery gates will be locked during all other hours.

City officials have also released other restrictions within the cemeteries.  According to the new ordinance:
·  No trees may be planted within the boundaries of city owned cemeteries
·  Any shrubs, plants, and /or flower planted shall be maintained by the owner of the plots
·   Any borders planted around gravesites shall be located within the border of the plot and shall be maintained by the owner of the plot
·    No pets can be buried in any of the city owned cemeteries
·   No other items placed on or around gravesite can remain within the border of the plot
·  Urns or any container of cremated remains must be buried within the plot borders.
Mausoleum vaults are also available.