Newport is looking to replace its contracted arborist with a full-time city employee, a move officials say will provide more tree maintenance while expanding oversight of parks and beautification projects.
The Newport Board of Commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance creating the new position at its Sept. 14 meeting, which would combine the duties of an arborist with those of a parks and beautification coordinator.
Newport Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen said Newport currently spends about $40,000 annually on its contracted arborist but receives approximately six hours of service per week. The city has consistently needed more than those allotted hours as its tree canopy and maintenance needs have grown.
“This role really needs to be expanded,” Steffen said. “And expanding that through a contract in this situation is just not cost-effective. At $40,000 a year, it’s six hours a week. I don’t think that we can manage it that way.”
Newport has advertised the full-time position at a $60,000 salary, contingent on final approval from the commission. Applicants must meet a baseline certified arborist requirement, while additional municipal arborist qualifications are preferred.
Steffen said the employee would not be limited to administrative duties.
“This is a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground, physically doing work type of position,” he said.
The employee would oversee Newport’s tree maintenance while coordinating improvements to parks and major city entrances. The position would work across departments including public works, planning and development and serve as staff for the city’s tree board.
The arborist would also take over coordination of Newport’s tree-trimming program, which officials said is currently behind schedule.
Larger trimming projects would still require help from other city employees or outside contractors. The arborist would coordinate that work and determine when projects need to be put out for bid.
Another focus would be maintaining newly planted trees. Officials said the city has sometimes struggled to care for young trees after planting, particularly during hot weather.
Newport Vice Mayor Julie Smith-Morrow said the position would help Newport protect the investment it has made in expanding its tree canopy.
“We’ve got to take care of our trees,” Smith-Morrow said.
The employee would also serve as a point person for neighborhood-driven park and beautification projects. Steffen cited ideas for improving an underused park in Newport’s Westside neighborhood as an example of the type of project the new position could coordinate.
Volunteer tree planting would continue, with the arborist helping organize volunteers and coordinate their work with city departments.
The position requires a second reading before receiving final approval.
