Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the transfer of $24,500.00 from the Sustainable Columbus Fund 2260 to the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund, Urban Forestry Master Plan Subfund 222362 to support the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Tree Assistance Program. The Columbus Tree Assistance Program (TAP) is a collaborative project between Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District. TAP allows private landowners to apply for funds to plant trees on their private property.
Benefits to the Public: This project will increase the Urban Tree Canopy which reduces storm water runoff, reduces utility costs to nearby homes and businesses, and reduces air pollution. The plantings will add to the total overall canopy levels and help to reduce storm water runoff, heat-island effects and replace trees lost due varying causes of tree mortality.
Community Input/Issues: Columbus has an ambitious Urban Forestry Master Plan, with an overarching goal of reaching 40% tree canopy coverage across the city by 2050. A recent assessment found that only 22% of Columbus has tree canopy coverage. Though the City and our partners plant trees on public land, most land (and therefore the majority of the opportunity for increasing the tree canopy) in Columbus is privately owned. Through TAP, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department can provide needed funds to Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to cover the cost of trees, planting supplies, labor, and administrative costs to plant trees on private property. The program has demonstrated success since its pilot year in 2024, mobilizing neighbors, HOAs, civic associations, schools, and nonprofits to complete planting projects.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by planting trees intended to both replace and add to the City of Columbus’ Urban Tree Canopy.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes the transfer of $24,500.00 from the Sustainable Columbus Fund to the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund, Subfund 222362.
Title
To authorize the transfer of $24,500.00 from the Sustainable Columbus Fund to the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund. ($24,500.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $24,500 with the Sustainable Columbus Fund 2260; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $24,500.00 between the Sustainable Columbus Fund 2260 to the Recreation and Parks, Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222362; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the appropriation of $24,500.00 is hereby authorized in the Sustainable Columbus Fund 2260 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3. That the transfer of $24,500.00 is hereby authorized between the Sustainable Columbus Fund 2260 to the Recreation and Parks Special Purpose Fund 2223, Subfund 222362 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.