FINANCIAL BUSINESS REQUEST (FBR)
Motion/Request:
title
MOTION to approve a supplemental appropriation of $25,000 to Account #10140107-56306 (Tree Removal) from Undesignated to provide adequate funding for ongoing removal of hazard trees in the Town rights-of-way.
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Background:
In 2018 the region was struck with a significant gypsy moth infestation, which resulted in a substantial kill of oak trees in particular. The eventual impact of this extended into 2020 and is still being seen. The impact of this to our trees was augmented by the spread into our area in 2019 of the Emerald Ash Borer that dramatically affected our ash trees. The progressive effects of this continue to unfold.
As a result, substantial funding beyond the traditional $4,000 annual budget amount have been required to tackle the needed removals in our rights-of-way. The following details this:
Supplemental Appropriation Budget Transfer Total Additional
FY19 $25,000 $ 3,400 $28,400
FY20 $49,000 $49,000
FY21 $11,400 $11,400
FY22 $25,000 $ 6,400 $31,400
This amounts to an average additional annual funding need of more than $30,000. The need for removal of hazard trees persists and we have assembled a list so far of more than twenty (20) trees that need to come down in our road rights-of-way. We have spent $760 on spontaneous needs related to storm damage, leaving $3,240 in the account, which is wholly inadequate to meet the present need, full identification of which remains ongoing.
Department Comment/Recommendation:
Not knowing where the public works budget at large is headed at this stage of the fiscal year, and yet recognizing the immediate need for tree removal, I request a supplemental appropriation of $25,000, as was granted in FYs 2019 and 2022.
Finance Director Comment/Recommendation:
Tree removal expenses have averaged in excess of $34,000 over the last four years. Given past history and future needs identified by the Public Works Director, a significant increase in t...
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