Council reviews arborist staffing request as tree calls and storm damage rise

Parks and forestry staff told the council on Sept. 8 that increased city growth, a larger urban canopy and more frequent storm damage have stretched the department and created a backlog of public‑tree work. Staff recommended adding arborist positions to improve cycle pruning, emergency storm response and tree health inspections.

A staff presenter noted Rochester’s urban forest pruning cycle is roughly 20 years at current staffing levels and said the department responded to a recent insurance claim after a park tree fell onto private property. The presenter described a small in‑house forestry crew supplemented by contractors for removals and large jobs and said contractors typically include a profit margin that can make emergency contracting costly during storm events.

Council members asked whether contractors can fill the need instead of hiring city staff. Staff replied the city already uses contractors for some removals and stump grinding but argued that having more in‑house arborists improves response time, lowers per‑unit cost over time (no contractor profit margin) and helps the city manage emergencies safely. Mayor Norton and several council members said staffing improves control and can reduce emergency contracting costs during large storms, while others sought more detail on exact costs and which activities could be contracted.

Staff said the decision package covers wages and benefits for additional arborist FTEs and that equipment and operational support exist in the current department budget. No final vote occurred; the request remains part of the budget deliberations.