Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

MURFREESBORO – In an effort to free up Public Works employees to carry out other tasks throughout the year, the Murfreesboro Town Council approved a contract for grass cutting during their meeting on Dec. 10.

The quote, submitted by Greg Parker, was presented to the council at their meeting in November, but they didn’t take any action on it at the time.

According to the information, Parker and his crew would handle all the properties throughout the town that the town employees usually cut, beginning in March. The grass would be cut weekly, or as needed, during peak grass season (approximately 26 weeks). The proposed cost was $34,000.

Areas covered by the contract include the grounds of the Municipal Building, Murfree Center, Public Works, and Fire Department; Riverside Park and Murfreesboro Ball Field on Lakeview Drive; several lift stations throughout town; the entrance to Jay Trail; Ruffin Brothers island and Diamond City island; around the water wells; and more.

Town Administrator Carolyn Brown reminded the council that Parker currently takes care of cutting the grass at the town cemeteries as well. She also noted that they had money in the budget to cover the cost.

Council member Mike Bunch asked Public Works Director Jeff Edwards if this proposal would be beneficial to the department.

Edwards explained that it usually takes a minimum of two full-time employees and some part-time employees to keep the grass cut throughout the year. By contracting the work out, however, those employees would be free to help the department with other projects around town, and they wouldn’t need to hire as much part-time help.

He also stated that it would save them from wearing out the lawnmowers as quickly, noting that it is costly to continue to replace blades and belts and repair other parts of the equipment.

“I don’t see that it does anything but save time and money,” said Bunch, referring to the contract proposal.

“It’s a no-brainer,” agreed council member Jay Revelle.

Bunch motioned to approve the contract, and Revelle seconded. The vote passed unanimously in favor with no further discussion.