AUGUSTA, Ga. () – A brewing concern is gaining attention as residents voice their expectations regarding lawn maintenance. Many believe that keeping the city’s grass trimmed should be a top priority.

“Absolutely, maintaining the grass is essential for Augusta’s aesthetic appeal,” expressed Ron King. “It really enhances the overall look of our city.”

As the grass-growing season progresses, Augusta faces a surge of complaints related to lawn care.

This year, the city has allocated $750,000 in its budget specifically for “Vegetation Maintenance.”

“My goal is for our city to appear well-kept and beautiful, while also seeking ways to improve efficiency,” noted Commissioner Ron Clark.

Right now, five different departments have the equipment and people cutting grass. Some believe that grass cutting should be done by a new one.

“It would be easier for us just to have one department crew and one department take care of it all. That makes sense,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice.

But others say what makes sense is to put vegetation maintenance under one of the departments already cutting grass.

“If you create a whole new department, you got to have a building, you got to have a warehouse you got to have the employees, you got to have the secretary, you’re going to have to have the director, that’s a lot of money,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle.  

“That’s one of the reasons I want to place it under an existing department because that would allow the funds that are already allocated to go farther,” said Commissioner Brandon Garrett.

“If Augusta really the Garden City anymore? Well, it could be the Garden City. Let’s develop one department and show the folks here that yes, we’re going to make it look good,” said Commissioner Rice.

City leaders know they want to cut grass, but don’t know yet the best way to do it.