[skyguy79]

You said that you agreed to $100 for triming the tree. You didn't say he offered or agreed in advance that the debris would be removed. That doesn't sound like it was extortion to later expect to be paid for any removal. As you describe the process, I think he had every right to ask for the $20 since debris removal was not part of the quote or even agreed otherwise. Matter of fact, I think he didn't even have to offer to remove the debris at any price, but mearly gave you an option if you couldn't do it yourself. My opinion of course is subject to any facts that were not presented in your post.

However, having said what I have, doesn't mean that I don't agree that method of payment is not suspicious! But suspicious alone does not mean guilty as charged. You may well be correct in your assessment, but you may equally be wrong and he just might be trying to earn a buck and not be a burden on the taxpayers. Under the facts as I know them, I would have been grateful that he gave me the option and not left me to deal with the problem... but that's just me!