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Commission discusses $50,000 FY2027 recommendation, eyes $10,000 storm contingency
Summary
Sandpoint Urban Forestry Commission members discussed a FY2027 budget framework that would hold to a $50,000 baseline and a possible $10,000 storm-cleanup contingency; commissioners emphasized hazard-tree removal and cyclical maintenance and plan to bring a formal recommendation to city council next month.
The Sandpoint Urban Forestry Commission on June 26 discussed a proposed FY2027 budget framework that Commissioner Chase Young said should start at $50,000 with an optional $10,000 storm-cleanup contingency.
"What I came up with was a total budget recommendation of 50,000 which would be held static with where you guys have been," Commissioner Chase Young said, adding he would prioritize hazard-tree removal, maintenance and consultant services.
Staff liaison Eric Bush noted the budget calendar and urged the commission to act before city council publishes the proposed budget on August 4. "The proposed budget for fiscal year 27 will be published and public hearing notifications will go out," Eric Bush said, and he recommended returning a formal recommendation to council at the commission's next meeting.
Members discussed a cyclical maintenance approach dividing the city into several zones to address deferred maintenance efficiently; commissioners stressed that catching up on deferred pruning would reduce long-term costs. The commission also discussed drafting an RFP to secure a maintenance contractor under the current-year budget and using a "not-to-exceed" approach so staff can prioritize the highest-need work, such as pruning sign obstructions near South Sandpoint and north of City Hall.
Commissioners suggested setting aside funds for a community-forestry consultant to review forthcoming code updates and the urban-forest management plan; a figure of roughly $10,000 was floated for review work rather than drafting entire ordinances. No formal budget vote was taken at the June 26 meeting; staff offered to circulate Chase Young’s numbers for the commission to consider and potentially forward to city council next month.
The commission approved the April 23 minutes earlier in the meeting; movers and seconders were recorded on the floor but not identified by name in the public record. The group adjourned at 4:24 p.m.
