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Commission hears tree trust fund history as members debate funding tradeoffs with paving
Summary
Staff presented a historical accounting of the Tree Trust Fund (about $1.38M in deposits since 2004, roughly $1.22M spent, current balance about $199,940). Commissioners asked for reconciled spreadsheets and discussed funding priorities, possible grants and the program's contract sunsetting June 30.
City staff on June 9 provided a multi‑year revenue and expense history of the Tree Trust Fund and reviewed options to keep the community tree‑planting program active.
Presenter (Christian) said the account has received approximately $1.38 million in deposits since 2004 and that about $1.22 million has been spent; the balance reported in the presentation was about $199,940. Average program costs were presented at roughly $333,000 per year to plant about 2,000 trees annually. Staff projected long‑term community value from tree canopy investments and described potential funding strategies including new solicitations, grants and community partnerships.
Commissioners sought a more granular reconciliation of five‑year and historical spreadsheets after identifying discrepancies in initial figures. Several commissioners emphasized that the tree program is valuable but must be weighed against urgent budget priorities such as paving and other core maintenance programs. Staff noted the city's contract with Community Greening sunsets June 30 and encouraged exploration of partner and grant opportunities ahead of the fiscal year budget discussions.
What’s next: Staff will provide reconciled finance materials to commissioners, explore external partnership and grant options, and coordinate with commissioners during the July budget workshops to determine whether and how to fund the program moving forward.
