Council opts to continue limited street-department mowing and line trimming along rights-of-way

The Granbury City Council on July 1 voted to continue the street department's existing practice of performing single-pass mowing and line trimming along certain street rights-of-way, curbs and sidewalks.

Public works staff described the practice as decades-old, aimed at keeping sidewalks and curb lines clear of grass and vegetation where private property owners have not maintained vacant lots or rights-of-way. Staff said the work is limited in scope (typically one to two man-days per month, two to four during peak growing season) and helps keep fire hydrants, signs and pedestrian paths visible, particularly ahead of large community events.

A resident had repeatedly complained and asked that the city stop mowing those strips and instead bill property owners for the small strips adjacent to their lots; staff said the city follows state/local code that allows the city to abate nuisance mowing and then bill property owners. Council members discussed safety, pedestrian mobility and community appearance as reasons to continue the practice and voted in favor of continuing the mowing regimen (motion recorded as passing 5-0).

What's next: Staff will continue scheduled single-pass mowing and line trimming where it has been the city's historical practice. Council did not direct a formal ordinance change or new billing policy at the meeting. Staff will continue to notify property owners and, if necessary, abate and bill under existing code.