Finance committee debates $45,525 transfer for contracted tree work and broader forestry plan

Holyoke City Finance Committee members discussed a fiscal-year 2025 transfer request to move $45,525.58 from a tree-climber line to contracted forestry services to remove dangerous trees citywide, but committee members asked for a broader plan and voted to table the transfer while they pursue a larger funding solution.

Why it matters: The transfer would fund immediate contracted removals tied to a department list of priority trees that city foresters said have produced property damage or pose hazards near parks and sidewalks. Members raised questions about procurement method, accountability to taxpayers, and whether the one-time transfer should be combined with a possible $200,000 allocation of previously approved ARPA funds to address a longer multi-year backlog.

Department brief and committee concerns: Interim DPW and the city forester described the list of roughly 100 priority trees (compiled largely from resident calls) and said the contractor could begin work in early June. The forester said in-house capacity is limited—there is effectively no standing tree crew—and that contractors incur additional costs (police details, disposal) that affect per-tree productivity. The forester estimated contractor minimums of roughly $8,000 per week, noting that the $45,000 transfer would cover about five weeks of contracted work; precise counts of trees removed per dollar vary by tree size, location and required safety measures.

Councilors pressed for clearer cost estimates and for a public procurement approach that provides accountability. Councilor Sullivan and others urged that the city put the 100-tree list out to bid and ask firms to price a time-and-materials contract covering the prioritized list, rather than attempt a per-tree fixed price that can be misleading. Several councilors also noted earlier city removals and asked for an accounting of removals performed in 2023–2025 and the associated costs.

Outcome and next steps: Committee members expressed support for addressing dangerous trees but differed on timing and funding. Several members urged combining the transfer with larger ARPA funds that council leadership has recommended; Councilor Sullivan said he would contact the mayor about the $200,000 ARPA allocation. The committee voted to table the $45,525.58 transfer so the council can consider the larger funding picture and to request a formal bid/plan for the 100-tree removal program. Councilors asked DPW to provide a report back showing which trees are removed if the transfer is later approved, and to meet individually with councilors who volunteered to flag specific low branches and sidewalk hazards for quicker action.