Council liaison asks mayor for dedicated tree-maintenance line in 2027 budget

Nancy, the Tree Board's city council liaison, told members she had emailed Mayor Angie to request that the 2027 city budget include a dedicated line item for tree maintenance. She said board members were pleased with planting progress but stressed that maintenance funding is needed to care for trees after planting and to extend tree life.

"Members of the board are pleased with the progress made cutting out hazardous trees and planting new trees, yet tree maintenance is necessary to take care of trees once they are planted," Nancy said. She said she would be "willing to work closely with you to establish an adequate amount within reason." The liaison asked the board to consider a suggested minimum amount in case the mayor requests a figure; the board agreed to develop a suggested number and follow up.

Board members expressed support for the request and discussed being conservative with other discretionary funds while pursuing opportunities for matching grants to stretch available dollars. Phil Graff, the city forester, said he supported the request and that the city forester's office would help define needs and priorities for a budget line.