Increased usage at Panora’s city brush facility led to a new policy approved by the City Council at their meeting Monday.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman mentioned recent concerns about the facility that led to the policy, including multiple facility keys floating around, tree service companies bringing in trees from outside the City, and the facility not having size restrictions. Grossman said the City has changed the locks at the facility, and the new policy states that the brush facility will remain locked at all times, and only residents are allowed to check out a key at City Hall. All keys require a $20 cash deposit, and no keys will be given out to contracted tree services. Only trees and tree trimmings are allowed at the facility, and leaves, grass clippings, household trash, plant parts, root balls, and tree stumps are not allowed. Branches and logs exceeding 12 inches in diameter are also not accepted, and staff may allow material over this size requirement at their discretion. Anyone found violating or misusing the facility will be fined $250, with a $7 administrative fee added after 30 days of an unpaid fine.