Fiscal Note
No appropriation is necessary to accept this report or to recommend the creation of an urban forestry special charge. Should the urban forestry special charge be created by ordinance (see Legistar File #35038), there will be savings to the levy due to the transfer of costs to a Special Revenue Fund.
Title
Accepting the Report of the Common Council Alternative Revenue Work Group's recommending the creation of an urban foresty special charge.
Body
WHEREAS, the Common Council desires to focus proactively on policy issues important to the City of Madison; and,
WHEREAS, the Common Council Alternative Revenue Work Group, researched and developed policies to support alternative sources of revenue; and
WHEREAS, the Alternative Revenue Work Group has written a proposal for an urban forestry special charge to support all urban forestry activities including planting, pruning maintenance and integrated pest management; and
WHEREAS, Madison's environmental and cultural heritage is enriched by the urban forest; and
WHEREAS, Madison celebrates its 25th year as a Tree City USA in 2014, and
WHEREAS, Madison's trees provide benefits for residents and visitors alike:
- Every $1 spent on trees yields $3.35 in benefits for the City of Madison.
- Every street tree provides $122 in annual benefits.
- Street trees intercept 115,378,156 gallons of rainfall each year.
- Over 175,000 pounds of pollutants are removed every year valued at $399,384; and
WHEREAS, in November of 2013, City of Madison foresters confirmed the Emerald Ash Borer had arrived in the City of Madison posing a threat to 20% of Madison's street trees; and
WHEREAS, The City of Madison is redoubling efforts to provide top-quality urban forest services, protect heritage trees, provide excellent customer service for pruning and safety and keep the urban forest healthy; and
WHEREAS, an urban forestry fee would secure dedicated funds to protect the urban forest, especially given the higher costs incurred by the City of Madison to manage the Emerald Ash Borer; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council accepts the Report of the Alternative Revenue Work Group and its findings; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Common Council recommends the creation of an urban forestry special charge to protect and preserve Madison's urban forest.