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Dane County tree board told it cannot sell saplings or collect money without county board approval
Summary
County staff explained at a Tree Board meeting that saplings become county property when purchased and any fundraising or sales would require a county board resolution and approval.
At a Dane County Tree Board meeting, county staff clarified that the tree board cannot unilaterally sell county-owned saplings or collect donations for them; any such activity would require county board authorization and a formal resolution.
The clarification came after a board member asked whether the tree board could fundraise by selling small trees. Michelle Britt, identified in the meeting as a member of the county court department, said the proposal “would have to go through the county board.” She added, “The tree board may be able to fundraise in the manner you describe but the county board would need to authorize the tree board to fundraise this way.”
Why it matters: board members had discussed using leftover trees to support outreach and distribution; the staff clarification means the tree board cannot begin collecting money or transferring county property without following the county—s formal resolution process. Britt told members the county—s counsel had flagged “restrictions on the sale of county property” and warned that even small transactions require legal and procedural review.
Meeting discussion and next steps Board members asked whether nonmandatory donations tied to tree giveaways would be allowed. Britt said, “I don't think we can collect any money at all without going through a full resolution process.” She described the requirement as standard: "every dime that comes into the county has to go through, a resolution process." A board member offered to compile materials and shepherd a resolution through the county process if the board chooses to pursue authorization.
Several members expressed concern that pursuing a resolution would be time-consuming and might not gain county board support. Britt recommended preparing a compelling case; she said she and other staff would help assemble the necessary documentation and follow the formal process if the tree board decides to proceed.
Ending: The board left the matter open. Members said they would consider whether to pursue a county board resolution to permit fundraising or sales tied to the tree nursery and outreach programs, with staff offering to help prepare any required resolution.
