Council agrees 2026 tree budget priorities: reserve, risk mitigation and maintenance

Beaux Arts Village Council reviewed and accepted a proposed 2026 right-of-way (ROW) tree-management spending strategy presented by Councilmember Paula Dix. The structure agreed for a $25,000 allowance sets a $5,000 emergency reserve, 90% ($18,000) for priority and preventative maintenance recommended by the town arborist, and 10% ($2,000) for discretionary aesthetic work. Council emphasized that non-deferable, high-risk work identified by the arborist should come first.

Council discussed the ecological role of snags—standing dead trees used as wildlife habitat—while noting maintenance and safety trade-offs. Because some trimmed wood may yield firewood, Water Superintendent Eric Antonelli volunteered to help with bucking and moving material; the council said firewood availability will be advertised in the newsletter and offered to WABA first. Council agreed the town should present an annual spending-strategy recommendation and notify the council if significant changes were needed during the year.