(KLZA)--The Falls City Council awarded a bid for a major tree maintenance project during its meeting Monday evening.

The city recently received a Community Forest Improvement Grant totaling more than $230,000.  The funding will support tree pruning, removal, and long-term maintenance across public properties.

Parks and Recreation Director Briar Burr says work will take place in several key areas, including the Downtown Improvement Zone, city parks, Stone Street, the library, current and former city hall buildings, Prichard Auditorium, and Steele Cemetery.

Two companies submitted bids for the project.

Grimm’s Gardens of Hiawatha proposed a bid of $307,800 with cleanup included, or $239,800 if the city handles debris removal.

Arbor Masters, based in Shawnee, Kansas, submitted a lower bid of $180,588 with cleanup, or $159,588 if the city provides cleanup crews.

Following discussion — particularly regarding completion of tree work at Stanton Lake that began under a 2024 grant — the council voted to award the contract to Arbor Masters, with the city responsible for cleanup.

Work is expected to begin later this month and continue through December of 2027.

City officials will also negotiate with Arbor Masters on the cost of completing the Stanton Lake project, after funds from last year’s grant were exhausted.