Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Forestry topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council pulls Texas A&M municipal-forester grant application, directs staff to pursue contracted arborist options
Summary
After reviewing a Texas A&M Forest Service grant that would fund a municipal forester with a required city match, the Leon Valley council directed staff to withdraw the application and instead evaluate contracting options, amendments to the tree-mitigation ordinance, and alternative funding.
The Leon Valley City Council on March 17 directed staff to withdraw a Texas A&M Forest Service grant application for a municipal forester and to explore less-costly alternatives, including a contract arborist for FY2027 and possible changes to the city's tree-mitigation ordinance.
Staff had applied for a municipal-forester grant (total $100,000 over three years: $50,000 year one, $25,000 years two and three). The grant would require a local match to cover salary and benefits; staff estimated the city's net cost at roughly $175,000 over three years after match and benefits. Duties described by the grant included tree inventories, oak-wilt mitigation, risk assessments, planting and community engagement.
Councilors raised concerns about long-term city obligations, competition for general-fund dollars (noting public-safety and other priorities) and the prospect of recruiting a candidate for a three-year grant-funded position. Several members preferred contracting for targeted services or sharing services with neighboring jurisdictions rather than creating a full-time city position. Councilor Compost moved to withdraw the grant application, pursue a contract arborist for FY2027, draft potential tree-ordinance amendments to expand funding options and explore other funds to support a contract; Councilor Rosco seconded and the motion passed.
Next steps: staff will formally withdraw the grant application, return with contract options and scope of services and draft potential amendments to the tree-mitigation ordinance for council consideration.
