Boyle County moves to tighten mowing ordinance, approve contractor bid advertising

Boyle County Fiscal Court members on May 26 approved updating the county mowing ordinance to add administrative penalties and to advertise bids for on‑call mowing contractors.

Recycling director Angie Muny presented a draft contract and accompanying ordinance changes intended to let the county place liens for work performed, add administrative fees and set escalating fines for repeat violations. Magistrates discussed whether to select a single contractor or a rotation of multiple vendors for on‑call mowing, a proposed minimum $75 retainer for calls, insurance/bonding proof, and how to handle additional acreage and crediting of initial hours.

A magistrate suggested a fines schedule (first offense +$100, second $250, third $500) and the court agreed that the ordinance — not the contract — should establish the penalty amounts. Staff said the county already has ordinance authority to place a lien on property for costs but that additional fine levels and administrative charges should be spelled out.

The court approved a motion to update the ordinance to add penalties and removal of debris provisions and then voted to advertise the bid for contractors. The court asked staff to ensure vendors show proof of insurance and registration with the county tax administrator and to include bonding/workers’ compensation requirements in the bid specifications.

Next steps: staff will finalize ordinance language and present first reading in early June with the goal of adopting penalties; meanwhile the county will advertise for contractors under the approved bid specifications.