Park board authorizes repairs to aging mowers after repeated breakdowns; parts quoted at $543

The Sherman Park Board voted on Aug. 12 to authorize repairs to aging mowing equipment after park staff reported repeated breakdowns this season and provided initial parts pricing.

Ashley Cox, park superintendent, told the board that two of the park’s mowers had broken frequently this year and that the third machine is now in poor condition. She said parts identified so far for the 2018 XMark 60-inch mower total $543; Cox recommended attempting repairs first because a parts purchase might or might not fully fix the machines.

Cox also said the city’s street department is loaning the parks department a mower to use for the remainder of the season while staff pursue additional quotes for replacement equipment. She said staff will obtain more quotes from other vendors and that the 2026 budget discussion may include added line-item funding for equipment replacement.

Board member Michael Pratt moved to authorize repairs, and Jason Scott seconded; the board affirmed the motion and voted in favor. No dollar amount beyond the $543 parts estimate was appropriated at the meeting; Cox said she would pursue further quotes and return with options.

Cox described the mower fleet by size: a 72-inch machine, a 60-inch machine (the 2018 XMark), and smaller mowers; she said the 72-inch and one other machine had multiple breakdowns and that staff were operating with only one working mower at times. The board did not adopt a replacement purchase during the meeting but directed staff to seek additional vendors and quotes.

The motion to proceed with repairs was recorded as approved during the meeting; board members present for the vote were President Robin McDaniel, Michael Pratt, Jason Scott and Rachel Tuttle (Chuck Smith was absent).