Council moves to get assessment numbers for shade tree program, passes resolution of necessity

The Fairport Harbor Tree Commission asked council to adopt a Shade Tree Assessment Program to create a steady, equitable funding source for planting, maintaining and removing public trees. A representative read a letter urging adoption and described the program as a way to shift unexpected costs away from homeowners.

Council discussed next steps and procedures. Administrator Lucas and fiscal officer Christine explained the first step is to obtain assessment numbers (the resolution of necessity), followed by public meetings and three readings before final adoption if council so chooses. The representative and staff gave preliminary figures: an assessment example worked out to roughly 0.22 mills, producing an average annual assessment of about $12 on a $100,000 property; the transcript described the average assessment around $12 and mentioned 22 hundredths of a mill as the rate used in the example.

Council approved Resolution 2026-56 to obtain the assessment numbers. During the vote the council corrected procedural sequencing (suspension and adoption were re-run to record the suspension and adoption properly) and ultimately approved the resolution. Members emphasized the desire to provide public meetings and not to rush the process, noting that if numbers were not sent to the county auditor in time it could delay the start of collections. Staff indicated they would present the assessment figures and the process for public input at upcoming meetings.

The resolution authorizes staff to obtain the necessary assessment calculations; it does not itself levy the assessment or change tax bills. Council discussion emphasized transparency, public hearings and adherence to the three-reading rule before any assessment would be adopted.