Mason City Offers Financial Help for Homeowners to Remove Hazardous Trees

MASON CITY, Iowa — Mason City homeowners facing costly tree removal because of dead, diseased or hazardous trees, including those damaged by Emerald Ash Borer, may qualify for financial assistance through a city program, according to the Development Services Department.

The Private Dead and Diseased Tree Program is designed to help homeowners remove hazardous trees while improving neighborhood safety, according to city materials.

Eligibility is limited to owner-occupied residential properties, homeowners who respond promptly to city notices about hazardous trees, and property owners who request the Special Assessment Program, according to the department.

The program offers two forms of financial help. Under the Special Assessment option, eligible tree removal costs can be added to a homeowner’s property taxes. Homeowners have up to 10 years to repay the cost, with no interest charged if it is paid within 30 days of assessment. Installment payments carry 7% interest, and homeowners may pay off the balance at any time without penalty, according to the department.

A Catastrophic Grant is also available for qualifying low- and moderate-income homeowners when removal costs exceed 10% of a property’s assessed value and the homeowner meets U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income guidelines, according to the department.

The process begins when the city identifies a hazardous tree and issues a notice to the property owner. The owner then has 30 days to respond and request either the Special Assessment or the Catastrophic Grant. Homeowners may hire a licensed contractor or participate in a city bid process to complete the removal. If no action is taken, the city will move forward with its nuisance abatement process, according to the department.

All deed holders on a property must sign the assistance application, and applications are subject to review and approval by the city’s director of Development Services, according to the department.

City officials said the program’s goals include improving public safety, removing hazardous trees, helping homeowners manage unexpected costs and reducing the impact of Emerald Ash Borer in Mason City.

Homeowners with questions can contact the Development Services Department at 10 First St. NW, Mason City, or call 641-421-3380. More information is available at www.masoncity.net.