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Budget committee keeps mowing contract, adds $28,079 to cover higher bid estimates
Summary
Committee voted unanimously to keep contracted mowing services and add approximately $28,079 to the budget to cover projected contract increases after staff presented a near-term estimate for higher mowing costs.
The Rockport Budget Committee voted to retain contracted mowing services rather than bringing mowing in-house, and agreed to add roughly $28,079 to the budget to cover increased contract costs projected by staff.
Staff presented an estimate that a renewed mowing contract could raise costs substantially (staff used a conservative rise after recent contract increases). Bringing mowing fully in-house would require hiring and equipment decisions the committee was not prepared to make this cycle. Committee members emphasized the operational uncertainties of hiring seasonal staff and the recent contractor's longstanding work for town cemeteries and parks.
"$28,000 buys us the option not to make the decision right now," one committee member said, who supported retaining the contractor for continuity and to avoid service gaps. The motion to remain contracted and increase the buildings and grounds budget accordingly passed unanimously.
The committee asked staff to engage with the incumbent contractor about possible multi-year terms or adjustments, and to revisit the scope before next season's procurement.
