Council debates limits of Shade Tree Fund as renewal comes up for first reading

Council considered the first reading of an ordinance renewing the Shade Tree assessment and whether the fund's use could be broadened to address tree‑root damage to sidewalks. Councilwoman Trainer said the assessment historically produced about $40,000 annually and is scheduled for renewal every two years; a council member noted the fund had built up to roughly $139,000 in recent years. "It was discovered... that fund currently has $139,000 in it," one councilor said during discussion.

Longtime volunteers recounted the commission's origins and the city's approach to planting and maintenance; council members recommended obtaining an advisory opinion from the law director or higher authority to confirm whether sidewalk repair can be paid from Shade Tree funds under the Ohio Revised Code. No ordinance vote was taken—the item advanced as a first reading and will be revisited with additional legal guidance.