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Rockport proposes bringing municipal mowing in‑house to cut costs by about $120,000 a year
Summary
The draft budget funds startup lease/purchase of mowers, a trailer and seasonal hires to replace an existing mowing contract; staff estimate annual savings of at least $120,000 once fully implemented and say the plan will be phased in to avoid service gaps.
Town staff told the committee the FY27 draft budget includes startup costs to end the current mowing contract and bring mowing in‑house under the buildings and grounds program.
The presenter said the startup cost is roughly $201,971 (amortized over several years) and covers lease payments for mowers and a trailer plus purchases of smaller equipment. Seasonal hires will cover the mowing season; the staff stated these positions are seasonal and will not include benefits.
“We estimate that once this is lumped in for FY28 we should save at least $120,000 a year,” the presenter said, noting that bids for a new external contract could exceed the existing $310,000 contract and increase savings.
Committee members raised operational concerns about administration and oversight of seasonal staff and asked whether vehicles would be leased; staff responded that three items — mowers, trailer and a requested F‑series pickup — were proposed for a lease‑purchase and that the new equipment would be stored at Public Works. Staff also said they plan to train a replacement for a long‑time sidewalk contractor if that contractor retires.
The proposal will be discussed in more detail at the buildings/public works department night where capital items and reserve offsets will be reviewed.
