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Commissioners debate hiring a full‑time arborist as staff detail and enforcement gaps emerge
Summary
Atlantic Beach commissioners debated a proposed full‑time arborist (budgeted about $74,000), questioning whether the position should be full‑time, whether permitting authority should shift away from independent arborists, and how to improve enforcement and weekend response for tree code violations.
Commissioners weighed a proposed full‑time city arborist Tuesday as staff described the city’s tree‑permit workload and the limits of current enforcement.
Supporters argued an in‑house arborist would improve code familiarity, help the city maintain its Tree City designation and provide outreach — including Spanish‑language communication — to residents and contractors. "We're making that a Tree City," one commissioner said, arguing the arborist could help with permitting, code guidance and neighborhood outreach.
Opponents cautioned against centralizing authority and emphasized Florida law preserves residents’ ability to hire independent, licensed arborists. A commissioner warned that an in‑house arborist should not preclude residents from using private arborists to certify trees: "You don't have that ability under Florida statute to direct which arborist they can use," the chair said.
Amanda, the planning/permits staff member, reported the city issues roughly 150 to 300 tree permits per year; staff typically makes at least three visits for many permits and maintains a vetted list of service providers who understand the code. Amanda said the city sometimes hires outside arborists on an as‑needed basis and that typical outside rates run about $150–$200 per hour plus travel.
Commissioners discussed alternatives: creating a part‑time position, certifying an existing public‑works staffer, or relying on contracted arborists for park and right‑of‑way evaluations. On the budget sheet, the full‑time line item included salary, benefits and a vehicle; commissioners asked staff to quantify equipment, vehicle and incidental costs before finalizing a decision.
What’s next: commissioners left a preferred direction that the arborist role is valuable but requested more precise scope and cost information; several commissioners signaled they would support the position if refined as a part‑time or shared model or if the job description limited permit control.
