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Commission weighs making holiday tree lighting a paid city service
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether city staff and equipment should continue to be used for downtown holiday tree lighting or be charged as a paid service; they recommended further subcommittee work to draft a fee structure and scope of services.
Commissioners on Dec. 8 debated whether the city should continue providing labor and equipment for holiday tree and downtown lighting free of charge or formalize a fee to recover costs.
Brandon (staff) said the city historically assisted with hanging lights downtown and noted some previous investment by streets or public works. Commissioners said that because parks staff and crews are already limited, the city should consider charging for labor and equipment so requests do not add to understaffed workloads.
"We should find a fair and equitable fee," one commissioner said, arguing the cost should be close to covering expenses rather than creating ongoing expectations for free service. Staff suggested a subcommittee (parks and playgrounds) review potential fee models and return with recommendations rather than issuing an immediate policy recommendation.
No formal fee was adopted; commissioners agreed to explore fee structure and scope in a subcommittee before recommending policy to council.
