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Smith Valley cemetery board weighs 17‑tree removal bid that would exhaust annual budget
Summary
Cemetery board members reported a bid to remove 17 cemetery trees at $350 per tree and said the cost would consume the cemetery's annual budget; board members prioritized installing a drip irrigation system and discussed donation and BOCC-approval options.
Tom Renner, speaking as the Smith Valley Cemetery Board representative, reported on cemetery operations and a recent bid to remove trees, saying the proposed contract would use the year's budget and that irrigation work remains a higher priority.
“A bid was received to remove 17 trees from the cemetery for $350/tree. This would consume the whole budget for the year,” Renner reported. He said the drip irrigation system still needs installation and that it would be easier to install the drip line if the trees were removed. Board members discussed possible county assistance and donations.
Commissioner Hockaday responded that donations are possible but must be accepted by the Board of County Commissioners. Judy Harker noted Friends of the Library usually donates toward a student worker and suggested donations be made to Lyon County with a cover letter. The board did not approve a tree‑removal contract at this meeting.
Why it matters: the bid presents an immediate budget trade‑off between tree removal and irrigation investment for cemetery upkeep; accepting donations requires formal BOCC acceptance.
What’s next: board members will consider funding options; Renner said the new county budget takes effect today, and the board will seek clarity on available county funds and donation procedures.
