Forestry Department seeks funding boost to tackle illegal dumping and tree maintenance issues

The St. Louis City Council's Budget and Public Employees Committee meeting on May 12, 2025, spotlighted pressing issues surrounding the city’s forestry and parks departments, particularly the challenges posed by illegal dumping and the need for increased staffing and funding.

A key discussion point was the ongoing struggle with illegal dumping in vacant lots, especially in North City. Commissioner Jankowski emphasized the importance of having adequate personnel to address this issue effectively. He noted that the forestry department currently lacks sufficient staff to manage debris cleanup efficiently, leading to complaints from residents. “If we could clean it up while we're there, we could take some of that load off for the street department,” he stated, highlighting the interconnectedness of city departments in tackling this problem.

The committee also reviewed budget allocations for performance employees, with a stark contrast between the requested $2.6 million and the approved $600,000. Jankowski explained that additional funding would allow for more frequent maintenance of vacant lots and buildings, addressing community concerns about overgrown grass and debris. “We could raise our rotation of vacant building and vacant lot cuts,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The conversation shifted to the revenue side, where it was revealed that collections for weed cutting services had decreased. The difficulty in collecting these fees was attributed to the lack of liens on grass maintenance bills, making it challenging to enforce payments. “It’s extremely difficult to collect,” Jankowski admitted, indicating a systemic issue that the city is working to resolve.

Parks Commissioner Kim Hengley also raised concerns about staffing shortages, particularly the removal of two utility worker positions from her budget. She argued that utility workers are essential for various tasks beyond just mowing grass, including maintaining facilities and preparing fields. “That’s not just mowing and trimming,” Hengley pointed out, emphasizing the multifaceted roles these workers play in keeping parks operational.

As the meeting concluded, both commissioners expressed a need for more resources to effectively manage their departments and improve city services. The discussions underscored the critical need for collaboration and adequate funding to address the challenges facing St. Louis's urban landscape, particularly in maintaining public spaces and combating illegal dumping. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining how these issues will be addressed moving forward.