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Toccoa explores equipment purchases and contracting as public works staff expand
Summary
City Manager Fredda O. Wheeler said new employees and additional funding for Public Works have prompted the city to consider buying a multi-attachment tractor/edger, continue renting a sweeper/mower, and contract large mowing jobs for parks next year.
City Manager Fredda O. Wheeler told the City Commission on Sept. 8 that the commission had allocated additional funds to the Public Works Department, allowing the city to hire new employees and outsource some large mowing tasks.
Wheeler said staff have rented a sweeper/mower this season and that a staff member, identified in the minutes as Randy, developed a piece of equipment this year. Randy is evaluating purchasing a tractor with an edger and multiple attachments that could be shared across departments.
Wheeler said the city is also putting out feelers to contract large mowing jobs for 2026 at Henderson Falls Park and Emory Johnson Park. The city’s landscaper has planted new trees in the Horseshoe area and will plant in the planters at City Hall. The Greenspace engineer is scheduled to replace 20 plants and one tree that died.
Why it matters: the combination of new staff, shared equipment and selective contracting could change maintenance costs and schedules for parks and right-of-way care. Commissioners did not record a formal vote on a specific equipment purchase during the work session.
Next steps: staff will continue to evaluate contracting options and equipment purchases and return to the commission with recommendations as needed.
