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Mitchell parks board weighs higher tree-trimming fees, outreach and per-tree pricing as $100 charge draws criticism
Summary
Board members discussed revising tree-trimming enforcement and fees after staff said current practice is complaint-driven and a $100 fee per property does not cover costs. Topics included per-tree vs per-property charges, outreach letters, contractor impacts and a possible Retree Mitchell reimbursement program.
Mitchell's Parks and Recreation Board spent the meeting's longest stretch debating how the city enforces tree-trimming rules and whether its current $100 fee per property adequately covers costs.
Staff (Speaker 6) described current practice: the crew identifies problem trees after complaints, the city sends 30-day notice letters and, if the owner does not act, crews return and trim trees then bill the property owner. "If they don't trim the tree in 30 days, we go back, trim it, and it's only at $100," Speaker 6 said, noting that figure is "so outdated" and does not cover staffing or equipment costs.
Board members pressed for options including charging per tree, adopting an hourly or equipment-based rate, contracting work to private firms, and offering targeted help for elderly or low-income residents. Speaker 3 proposed moving to per-tree fees rather than a flat per-property charge; Speaker 5 and others urged an itemized cost analysis so residents understand where the money goes.
Other proposals included sending courtesy letters to a broad set of property owners before enforcement and expanding the Retree Mitchell program, which provides reimbursements (up to $100 per application) to help residents pay for tree work. Speaker 4 said the city lacks a certified arborist on staff and noted Emerald Ash Borer is an eventual regional concern.
Next steps: Staff was asked to prepare a cost analysis and examples showing breakdowns (equipment, staff time, hourly rates) and to return with recommendations on per-tree pricing or revised fee structures before formal adoption.
