Approve assessment roll for voluntary assessments for required tree removals
To adopt resolution 26-84 to approve voluntary assessments for costs of required tree removals
Four properties voluntarily applied to have the cost of a required tree removal assessed to their property taxes according to terms stipulated in the application.
The city required the removal of untreated ash trees and other dead trees from private property in a portion of the city in 2026 pursuant to city code section 22-2. Trees required to be removed were in locations that may impact a public right of way or public property if the tree failed and had a removal deadline of March 31, 2026.
A limited amount of financing was offered to property owners through a voluntary special assessment to allow the cost, up to a maximum of $2,000, to be spread out over a period of 3 years. Property owners that were required to remove a tree from their private property and owed no delinquent taxes were eligible to apply for the program. To utilize the financing, property owners needed to use the contractor that provided the quote to the city and only tree removal costs were eligible. Equal payments will begin in 2027 and will be collected with real estate property taxes over a 3 year period at a fixed interest rate of 3%. Full payment can be made at any time to Ramsey County.
As part of the application, property owners waived the right to appeal the assessment since it was voluntarily applied for, therefore no public hearing is required. Staff consulted the city attorney on the required waiver language and a copy of the application is attached for reference. Four properties applied for the program at the addresses and costs listed below:
Property address Tree removal cost
1025 Lois Dr $1,060
5037 Turtle Ln W $825
1507 Sherwood Rd $1,060
1134 Bucher Ave $528
Staff recommends the city council adopt resolution 26-84 approving the assessments.