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Tullahoma awards $85,000 brush-grinding contract amid concerns about growing debris pile
Summary
The board approved an $85,000 contract with Benchmark Mulch to grind and remove brush at the city yard after public works officials described a large accumulated pile; aldermen pressed for frequent clearing and raised fire and nuisance concerns.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 6-0 Monday to award an $85,000 contract to Benchmark Mulch Company for brush grinding and debris removal at the city public-works yard. Public Works Director Butch Taylor told the board that the city’s accumulated pile — widely referenced during the discussion as “Mount Rushmore” in meeting materials — requires grinding rather than roll-off dumpsters because of volume and access. “They grind it all up. They haul it off. We we touch it. We don't touch any of it. They move it,” Taylor said, explaining why Benchmark’s service model differed from another bidder’s proposal that relied on roll-offs. Board members pressed for assurance the work would be frequent enough to avoid a recurring buildup and potential hazards. Several aldermen said repeated storms and heavy residential tree service activity had increased volumes this year; one member estimated the pile could be 5,000–7,000 cubic yards though staff called that a rough guesstimate. The city advised it typically secures grinding services about three times per year but that recent storm damage has overwhelmed existing capacity. Benchmark’s bid was the lowest of two received and did not require city crews to stage or load the material for removal; the alternative bidder proposed using roll-off dumpsters and additional city labor. Public Works recommended Benchmark on the basis of cost per cubic yard ($9.75) and the vendor’s ability to grind and haul material without substantial city labor. Officials said the city will monitor the yard’s volume and can request additional grinding if the appropriation is exhausted; aldermen asked staff to seek follow-up funding if needed to complete removal. The board voted to approve the contract and asked staff to keep the council informed about scheduling and remaining volumes. The contract award was Item 12 on the agenda and followed an extended public-works discussion about routes, senior citizens’ access and illegal dumping concerns.
