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Commission puts school maintenance budget reallocation on first reading after debate over mowing contract costs
Summary
The commission moved to first reading a school budget reallocation that funds additional maintenance, mowing and weed-control work; commissioners questioned contract procurement and a roughly $70,000 bid difference from the previous solicitation.
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — Commissioners placed on first reading a resolution from the school system to reallocate maintenance funds to cover additional mowing, weed control and staffing changes.
The director of schools explained that several positions were not refilled and savings were reallocated to cover employee promotions and additional maintenance needs. He said the budget change would help pay 17 existing county school employees and add coverage for mowing and weed control across campuses.
During debate commissioners raised procurement concerns. One commissioner pointed out that the existing three-year mowing contract lists annual compensation of $324,800 and that proposed additional mowing (10 extra mowings) would cost $162,400; weed control was listed at $76,800 and other extra areas at $58,800, creating a combined add-on near $297,600. A commissioner noted a previous bid was about $70,000 lower than the chosen contractor’s price and urged review through purchasing and the county attorney’s office before final approval. The sponsor agreed to place the item on first reading to allow further review and a work session.
The matter will return for further committee review before a final vote.
