Tree board told budget 'money's there' but staff turnover delayed projects

At the meeting a board member reported that through August the city had received 'a couple hundred thousand more tax revenue than expected' and that spending was roughly $800,000 under projections because several projects were not completed amid staff turnover. That mix leaves funds available, the member said, but projects will need council and staff direction to be carried forward.

"The money's there," the board member said while urging the board to identify projects that should be carried into the next budget cycle and to work with staff on realistic timelines. Members discussed whether to request that specific park and tree projects be prioritized for carryover funding, and noted the need to avoid continually adding new projects before finishing approved work.