By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
March 17, 2004
The Meridian City Council opted not to change its tree-cutting ordinance on Tuesday and will continue requiring only a permit to cut trees inside city limits.
On a vote of 4-1, the council rejected a proposed amendment that would have required workers who cut trees inside the city limits to be state certified. Ward 5 Councilman Bobby Smith was the lone vote for the amendment; other councilmen said they didn't want to put unlicensed tree-cutters out of business.
Currently, the city requires tree-cutters to carry a one-year permit, which can be granted by paying a one-time $50 fee.
Local tree surgeons who have received certification by taking a course at Mississippi State University, pointed to several other service occupations, including plumbers and electricians, that are required by the city to be state certified.
Councilmen considered the ordinance two years ago and opted instead to require a one-year permit.
Ward 2 Councilman Mary Perry has said two recent tree-cutting accidents, including one about two weeks ago in which a man was seriously injured after a tree he was cutting fell on top of him, prompted councilmen to revisit the policy.
Smith and Ward 4 Councilman Jesse E. Palmer Sr. were appointed to a committee to suggest a solution. They decided on an ordinance that would require the state license, but even Palmer opposed it when it came to a vote.