Austin approves first round of ash-tree removals, transfers $1 million for multi-year program

Austin City Council voted to award the first contract for a multi-year plan to remove ash trees killed or threatened by emerald ash borer and approved a budget adjustment to fund the broader effort.

The council voted to award the initial contract for removal, stump grinding and ground restoration of 325 ash trees to Cars Tree Service Inc. for the low bid of $183,428.14. City staff said the work will be funded in part by a Hormel Foundation grant of $91,714.07 and a city match from the Capital Improvement Revolving Fund of $91,007.14.

The tree-removal work is part of a larger program anticipated to affect about 1,600 city-managed trees over several years, staff said. At the meeting, city staff asked council to transfer $1 million from general-fund balance into the Capital Improvement Revolving Fund to pay for contracted removals and replacements over the multi-year program; council approved that budget adjustment by roll call.

Why it matters: The emerald ash borer has forced many communities to plan phased removals and replacements. City staff said they prepared detailed inventory and bid documents, including diameters, access notes and overhead utilities, to reduce contractor site visits and speed work.

What council heard: Jason (staff member) told the council the city opened bids on Dec. 20 and received 15 proposals; the lowest was $183,428.14 and the highest about $568,000. He said staff is satisfied with the low bidder’s qualifications and noted the company had provided required licenses and insurance. Jason also said the work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2025, for this contract. Tom (staff member) and council members asked about the total number of trees and the mix of in-house versus contracted work; Jason said roughly 1,600 city-managed trees remain to be treated or removed and that some removals will continue to be done by in-house tree crews.

Council action: The motion to award the bid and the separate resolution to adjust the general fund budget and transfer $1 million to the Capital Improvement Revolving Fund both passed by roll call vote.

Details to note: The Hormel Foundation grant amount and the city match are recorded in the staff packet. Staff said they planned additional bid rounds if needed, because repeat bidding sometimes tightens prices. Jason also told council the contractor will use specialized equipment that will speed work and reduce neighborhood disruption.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contract paperwork with the awardee and proceed with scheduling; council directed staff to code and track expenditures in the capital fund.

Ending: The council approved both the contract award and the budget transfer unanimously.