The Detroit Lakes City Council has approved the removal of 65 diseased elm trees within city limits, following their monthly meeting on Monday, August 12th. The decision comes after 67 trees on 34 roads were identified as potentially diseased during the July council meeting. After further review, trees were reduced to 65 across 32 roads.
Affected property owners were notified of the costs associated with tree removal and invited to a public hearing. During the meeting, resident Mary Lee expressed concerns about the financial burden of removing a 27-inch diseased elm on her property, quoting a removal cost of $1,050.
Detroit Lakes Finance Officer Heidi Tumberg explained that property owners with removal costs exceeding $250 have the option to spread payments over five years, with the charges assessed to property taxes if not paid by November 15th. Interest rates will apply, but a special assessment deferral program is available for qualifying senior citizens and disabled homeowners.
The deferral program, revised in 2022, allows eligible residents to defer assessment payments without interest until the property is sold, the owner passes away, or the property loses its homestead status.
Residents interested in the deferral program can pick up forms at City Hall. An administrative filing fee of $10 will apply.