Fitchburg, WI Park Commission 10-1-26

At its October 1, 2026 meeting, the Fitchburg Parks Commission approved Ordinance 2026-030, creating a mechanism for a forestry fee that the Common Council may set through the 2027 budget process. The mayor said the proposed dedicated funding would support forestry operations, including additional staffing and wood-lot management, and address a backlog in care for the city’s public trees and parks. The fee amount was not decided by the Commission. Speakers raised legal and equity objections, while several commissioners supported the forestry program and requested clarity about how charges would be allocated. The Commission approved the ordinance; the transcript records at least one opposing vote but does not clearly capture the complete roll call.