Commission authorizes two-week solicitation for mowing county properties after brief debate

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners voted 7–3 to solicit bids for mowing county-owned properties and directed the mayor’s office to publish the list of properties and solicit bids for two weeks.

The motion, made by Commissioner Kale Crane and seconded by Commissioner Terry Hickey, followed discussion about which county sites need mowing and whether inmates could do the work. Commissioners and staff listed properties that would be included: Diamondsville, Spartan Town, Rocky River, Bone Cave, the county library, Oliver College (as cited in transcript), Fall Creek Falls, the Baker Mountain walking track and the fairgrounds.

Commissioners debated operational capacity. One speaker noted the jail’s inmate crews mow some county sites but “they can’t go out and mow the other county” because of available personnel and eligibility. Staff cautioned that outside contractors would need required licensure and insurance if used. Commissioners agreed the solicitation would let the county compare private bids with internal costs and identify the most cost-effective approach.

Several commissioners asked about bidding logistics; the board clarified the solicitation period would be two weeks from the day it is published and the mayor’s office will compile the property list including addresses. The transcript records an exchange about the bid list lacking acreage; staff said only names were ready the day of the meeting and addresses would be added to the bid packet.

The board instructed the mayor’s office to publish the bid notice and perform procurement steps; the motion passed 7–3 according to the roll-call summary recorded in the transcript.