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Dell Rapids council approves $2,600 to continue tree-rebate program
Summary
Council members voted to continue the city's tree rebate program and allocated $2,600 to fund rebates after staff reported declining but ongoing interest and a multi-year history of the program.
The Dell Rapids City Council voted to fund the city's tree rebate program with $2,600 in the coming budget year.
Claire (city staff) reminded the council the tree rebate program began in 2021, was reaffirmed in 2023, and has shown declining expenditures over the last three years ($8,400 in 2022, $1,600 in 2023, and $1,000 in the most recent year cited). Claire told the council she already had two applications pending and asked that council include $2,600 in the budget to continue the program. “When I put the budget together last year, [I] neglected to allocate any money for it. So I'm just asking council would approve $2,600 for us to continue the program,” she said.
Council member Nelson moved to continue the program and provide $2,600; the motion was seconded by Cappagelli and passed on voice vote. A council member suggested starting with the budget allocation and removing it later if necessary; staff confirmed there is budget capacity for 2026.
Why it matters: The program offers financial rebates to residents planting trees; staff reported fewer applicants in recent years but still recommended continued funding to support interest and urban forestry goals. The council approved the funding request and directed staff to include the line item in the budget.
