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Bremer County approves courthouse landscaping trees after fundraising and Trees Forever commitment
Summary
Bremer County supervisors approved ordering replacement and upsized trees for the courthouse landscaping after volunteers and a Trees Forever grant covered most costs; the board discussed public donation options and recognition policy before voting to proceed.
Bremer County supervisors voted to approve ordering trees for a courthouse landscaping project after staff and volunteers described fundraising and revised costs.
Cassandra, who circulated updated costs, said some trees suffered deer damage over the winter and replacements and upsizing raised the project cost; volunteer Paul reported about $2,400 in donations and an additional roughly $500 from a science-club sale. ‘‘Trees Forever has a budget … and they’re prepared to cover the balance,’’ Paul said, describing the organization’s practice of upsizing plants so the site starts with more substantial specimens.
Supervisors discussed expanding fundraising beyond elected officials, with one member suggesting a payroll notice asking county employees to contribute and another proposing a public blurb inviting tree sponsorships. Several supervisors cautioned about donor recognition: plaques or naming could create future maintenance or replacement complications and would require a county policy. ‘‘If somebody would want to sponsor an entire tree … then are they going to want a plaque on it?’’ one supervisor asked.
The board moved to approve the dollar amount for ordering the trees and the motion passed by voice vote.
The project will proceed with the advertised tree selections; staff said additional discussions about public solicitation and a possible donor recognition sign will follow.
