Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item #



Columbus Consolidated Government



Council Meeting



06/22/2004



Agenda Report #



TO: Mayor and Council



SUBJECT: Ordinance Change for Tree for Fee



INITIATED BY: Department of Public Services







Recommendation: Amend the Solid Waste code to coincide with the operational

changes of Public Services in implementing the ?Tree for Fee? program and also

amend the Solid Waste code to allow for the collection of associated fees for

the service.



Background: We began a ?Tree for Fee? pilot program in November 2003. The

program has been successful. If Council implements the ?Tree for Fee? program,

the Solid Waste code will need to be amended to coincide with the operational

changes of the department of Public Services. In addition, a method to ensure

funds are collected for providing the services will need to be implemented.



Analysis: The ?Tree for Fee? program has been a success for the customer and

the Columbus Consolidated Government. This program has effectively stopped the

tree complaints we had in the past. It has also given the citizens another

option for tree disposal. The billing collection rate for the trail period has

been 82%. This could be improved to ensure that the program pays for itself.