County crews will take over mowing duties from state

Because of state budget cuts, motorists will see Columbia County work crews doing more of their own cutting.

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The Georgia Department of Transportation announced earlier this year that it is cutting back on how often it will mow medians and rights-of-way on state roads.

DOT had mowed state roads in the county as much as three times a year, said county Construction and Maintenance Services Interim Director Matt Schlachter. Now it will be only once.

It costs DOT nearly $47,000 each time they mow in Columbia County, and that doesn't include the price of fuel or mowing along Bobby Jones Expressway and Interstate 20, Schlachter said.

In an effort to keep entrances to the county looking pristine, county crews have taken up the state's slack.

"We were able to move some crews around and reassign some tasks, so it won't become too big of a hassle," said Roads and Bridges manager Tim Holloway. "We've also hired two (temporary workers) to help cut the grass."

Holloway said his crews have been cutting the "gateway" areas into the county every three to four weeks.

Schlacter said assisting the Transportation Department with mowing is nothing new.

"Prior to the budget problems the state is having, they only mowed three times a year," he said.

"We still went out and kept the gateway areas looking presentable year-round.

"That part really hasn't changed. We're going to continue mowing on state routes as you're coming into the county to keep them looking good."