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Council discussion affirms continued in‑house mowing of state right-of-way despite higher top-line estimates
Summary
Council and staff debated the cost and structure of the town’s in-house mowing program for state right-of-way (including Highway 74). Staff said revised numbers are lower after accounting for stormwater and state reimbursements and recommended continuing the program; council members gave no objection to continue.
Town staff and council debated the scope and cost of the town’s in-house mowing program on state right-of-way, including Highway 74, with staff recommending the town continue the program despite higher headline estimates.
Council members noted a top-line five-year estimate had risen from about $1.165 million to $1.5 million and asked whether the town could scale back by selecting fewer roads. Town staff explained the larger figure did not reflect deductions: removing stormwater work and anticipated state reimbursements reduces the town’s net outlay to approximately $679,000 over the five-year period, which staff said is lower than the original estimate when those deductions are applied.
Town manager and public works staff said going in‑house allowed the town to accomplish more maintenance (for example, cleaning more of the town’s creeks and completing half the town in a season instead of a third), to pick up litter and to increase the frequency of mowing on key corridors. Staff encouraged continuing the program to make full use of capital equipment and crews purchased for the effort.
Council discussion included whether the contract can be scaled back; staff said the five-year agreement with NCDOT allows the town to request fewer roads, but any change would need NCDOT approval and the contract has a 30-day cancellation clause. Several council members said the town is getting better value and public praise for improved appearance and safety.
