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Council adopts tree-mitigation fund changes after heated debate over equipment use
Summary
After extended debate on whether tree-mitigation fees should buy equipment, Brooksville’s council approved Ordinance 1,012 (second reading) 3–2 to allow use of mitigation funds for removal of dead trees and trimming on public property/right-of-way and to set staff spending limits; opponents said buying specialized equipment raises maintenance and misuse concerns.
The Brooksville City Council adopted Ordinance 1,012 on second reading after a contentious discussion about how the city may use its tree-mitigation fund.
The ordinance amends the land-development code to authorize use of tree-mitigation funds for removal of dead trees and tree trimming on public property and rights-of-way and adds a spending cap (staff may spend up to a council-established threshold without separate council approval). Council members split 3–2 on the ordinance.
Debate centered on whether the mitigation fund should be used to acquire specialized equipment, such as bucket trucks or man lifts, that would be necessary for in-house tree work. Several council members expressed concern that equipment paid for from a narrow-purpose mitigation fund could be misapplied or lead to ongoing maintenance, insurance and storage costs. “I do not feel comfortable buying equipment with this fund because as soon as we buy equipment, it's gonna wanna be used for something else,” Mayor Mary Tanner said, arguing such buys should be considered through the CIP process.
City attorney clarified that any equipment purchased out of the fund would need to be used only for purposes stated in the ordinance, specifically removal of dead trees and trimming on public property or rights-of-way, and that additional ordinance language would be required to expand permissible uses. The attorney noted the council had discussed setting a spending cap to allow staff some flexibility while preserving council oversight.
Public commenter Richard Ross urged caution about buying specialized equipment, citing an example where a county procurement resulted in high annual holding costs and low utilization, and recommended contracting out through a bid rather than purchase.
Councilwoman Earhart moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; the motion passed on roll call, 3–2. The council recorded yes votes in favor from Council member McKeithen, Councilwoman Earhart and Mayor Tanner; Council member Hallow and Vice Mayor Bronson voted no.
The ordinance establishes the mitigation fund as a source for trimming and removing city trees and provides staff a limited spending authorization; council requested staff return with any refined language, a proposed cap, and clear operating rules for oversight and reimbursement scenarios if the council wants the fund to reimburse use of city-purchased equipment.
