City brush drop-off site is now privately run

Residents will need to register, while non-residents, contractors to pay fee.

The privatization of government in the city of La Crosse has begun – at least at the city’s brush site.

Starting today, Today’s Tree service takes over operation of the city brush drop off site on Isle la Plume. The change comes with new charges for those using the site from outside of the city and permits for city residents.

“It streamlines the situation for me to not have to check, constantly, ‘Where do you live?'” Today’s Tree owner, Jeff Wiedman said. “The ease of use will be pretty much the same. It won’t function that much differently other than the questioning of where you’re from.”

La Crosse residents will still use the site for free, they will just need to register.

“Every spring it’ll be a hassle to get your sticker but as summer goes on, it’ll make it easier,” Wiedman admits.

Fees will work out like this:

• Annual contractor permit, per truck: $200

Fees per visit, based on vehicle type:

• Pickup truck: $10
• Trailer: $25
• Dump truck: $100
• Dump truck (stumps): $250

Today’s Tree has been chipping brush for free at the site for a couple of years but has struggled with costs of repairing equipment due to other materials getting mixed in with the brush dropped off there.

Wiedman will now staff the site with his own people. 

“Financially it makes it a little easier to just staff it with people,” Wiedman said.