AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Augusta ball fields need to be maintained, but some city leaders are cutting down the idea of buying a new mower to handle it.“I think it is asinine to pay $103,000 for an equipment piece. We can operate other equipment out there,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.But the Rec Department’s request is for a top-of-the-line commercial mower with a price tag of more than $103,000.But some city leaders are saying it time to replace the current one.“I would rather go ahead and vote for it and purchase a new piece of equipment instead of keeping one in the shop most of the time,” said Commissioner Tina Slendak.Commissioners have been speaking out on doing a better job of maintaining the city.
“I know it’s money, but as long as we’re going to use it and utilize it and make sure we don’t just haphazardly use the machine, I think it’s something we need to look at,” said Commissioner Francine Scott.
But with the city budget facing a $20-million-dollar shortfall, other commissioners say they would rather look for a better deal than a $103,000-dollar mower…