Hughesville Borough Council is taking a wait-and-see approach with removing trees along downtown streets.

More than two dozen trees have been targeted for removal, many of which are uplifting sidewalks and the surrounding metal grates where they are planted.

However, the cost to uproot and replant trees is a bit more than community leaders want to see the borough ante up – at least for now.

“Why spend a bunch of money we don’t have at this point?” Councilman Todd McCowan said.

Borough officials noted the cost to remove a single tree and grind the stump would come to $300 and another $300 to plant a new tree.

They discussed the possibility of removing the trees in phases to prevent spending a lot of money at one time.

They also considered getting other quotes for the work in addition to the one the borough received from Dincher & Dincher Tree Surgeons.

“Maybe we budget next year for it,” Councilman Jerry Daugherty said.

“Let’s put it in the forefront for next year,” Council President Andrew Mook added.

In other matters, council approved a donation of $2,500 to the Hughesville Area Public Library.

Council appeared prepared to approve a $2,000 contribution, matching the borough’s amount from the previous year until the figure was questioned by Library Treasurer Charles Lockard.

He noted that in many other years the library received an annual donation of $2,500 from the borough.

The library, he said, is an active place and an asset to the community.

“You will get $2,500 this year,” Mook assured Lockard.

Council also agreed to donate $1,000 to the East Lycoming Recreation Association.

Mayor Richard Smith reported to council that he is working with Police Chief Rod Smith to come up with an ordinance regulating electric scooters in the borough.

The mayor also reported that increasing numbers of Lantern Flies are appearing in the community. Lantern Flies are invasive insects that feed on trees and plants.

The next council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at the municipal building, 147 S. Fifth St.