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Council accepts $10,000 donation from homeowners association to expand Oak Wilt treatment reimbursements
Summary
The Fair Oaks Ranch City Council unanimously accepted a $10,000 one-time donation from the Fair Oaks Ranch Homeowners Association to supplement the city's Oak Wilt reimbursement program, raising the total available funds for resident treatment reimbursements to $35,000.
The Fair Oaks Ranch City Council on Nov. 6 approved a resolution to accept a $10,000 donation from the Fair Oaks Ranch Homeowners Association (FORHA) to supplement the city—s Oak Wilt treatment reimbursement program.
Public Works Director Grant Watanabe summarized the program, which reimburses property owners for eligible treatment services up to 50% of cost and a $1,500 maximum per property per fiscal year. Watanabe said prior program years saw demand exceed available funds; he told council the city budgeted $10,000 two years ago and $15,000 the most recent year, with some applicants turned away for lack of funding.
"To assist the city in meeting the demand from residents, the FORHA board of directors approved a one-time financial donation of $10,000 to the Oak Wilt program," Watanabe said. Accepting the donation will increase the total reimbursement pool to $35,000, staff said.
David Fairhurst, identified as the FORHA vice president, thanked the city and explained that local volunteers and the Texas A&M forestry representative assist residents in identifying and treating oak wilt.
Council moved and approved a resolution to accept the donation by voice vote. The city will use the funds to provide additional reimbursements for residents participating in the Oak Wilt treatment program.
Quotes
"There were additional residents who contacted the city to submit applications, but were turned away due to the lack of funding," Grant Watanabe said when describing the need for more resources.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution: Accept $10,000 donation from Fair Oaks Ranch Homeowners Association for the Oak Wilt program — Motion moved by Council member Jonathan; second by Council member Emily; voice vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.
Background
Oak wilt is a fungal disease that affects live and red oaks. The city runs a reimbursement program intended to incentivize and assist property owners in treating oak wilt. Staff said the donated $10,000 will be added to the program budget to increase the number of residents who can be reimbursed.
