City Cuts Mowing Back to Every Three Weeks Due to Budget Cuts

Due to budget cuts, Columbus, Ohio, will mow grass in its parks every 21 days this summer instead of every 14.

And though crews will continue to cut overgrown lawns at vacant houses, they might not get to them as often as in the past, because the city has four fewer inspectors to cite property owners.

Residents all over town have noticed high grass around vacant homes and in parks. And they're complaining.

"We've had a lot of calls," said Alan McKnight, director of the Recreation and Parks Department, adding that he had been expecting them. "Once we explain to folks when they call in, they understand the situation. But it's still difficult," he said.

In 2001, Recreation and Parks had 55 full-time workers cutting the grass in parks. Today, McKnight has 34. His budget for part-time workers has been eliminated. But he was able to hire 28 with federal stimulus money.

Lawns with high grass and weeds around vacant homes and buildings are evident througout the city.

The Code Enforcement Division's budget to cut grass is $257,000 this year, down from $277,000, code-enforcement manager Dana Rose said.