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Board says USDA grant funds were clawed back; equipment such as stump grinders not covered
Summary
Members discussed the need for a stump grinder and wood chipper but heard that federal USDA grant funds that might have paid for equipment were rescinded; planting funds remain but equipment purchases would require local budgeting or alternative fundraising.
The board discussed equipment needs including a stump grinder and wood chipper, which members said would reduce vendor disposal costs and help reuse wood for mulch. Chair said prior USDA grant funds that might have paid for equipment have been rescinded and are no longer available for purchases such as chippers, stump grinders or chainsaws.
"No, so no more funding...the USDA grants were yanked back...they would not pay for a stump grinder, chainsaws, wood chipper," the Chair said, adding that some previously allocated amounts were clawed back. The chair further suggested the rescission may be politically driven but did not provide an alternate funding source.
Members noted that having a chipper could pay for itself in time by producing mulch and avoiding annual disposal fees, while a stump grinder is needed to remove large stumps left after tree removals. The board agreed to explore local options and to include equipment needs in future budget discussions, but they acknowledged no funds are currently committed.
