Warner Robins mowing grass on right-of-ways sparks debate

City Administrator James Drinkard explains a contract with TriScapes, LLC for right of way mowing on major roadways during a City of Warner Robins Council Meeting on Monday, June 15. (Brieanna Smith/HHJ)

WARNER ROBINS — Warner Robins City Council has made quick work on a promise to maintain grassy areas on major roadways. But the move sparked debate about the landscaping company that submitted the lowest bid.

At their June 15 meeting, council approved a contract to outsource right-of-way mowing and landscaping on 16 major city streets, according to city documents.

These include Watson Boulevard, Russell Parkway, Houston Lake Road, North and South Davis Drive, Corder Road, N. Houston Road, Moody Road, Sandy Run Road, Booth Road, Lake Joy Road and Cohen Walker Drive.

The mowing would improve 68 miles of roadways, City Administrator James Drinkard said.

The contract, totaling just under $173,000, went to TriScapes, LLC, a landscaping company based in Alpharetta, a suburb of Atlanta.

Several council members, including Charlie Bibb, spoke in opposition to the contract.

TriScapes’ cost was $73,000 lower than the next-lowest bidder. Bibb was concerned about the possibility of an after-the-fact rate increase.

Bibb also questioned why a company closer to home didn’t receive the contract.

“I’m concerned that we’re hiring a landscaping company out of Atlanta, Georgia when we have so many landscaping companies in Middle Georgia,” Bibb said during the meeting.

Councilman Derek Mack voices concerns related to non-local vendors at a City of Warner Robins council meeting on Monday, June 15. (Brieanna Smith/HHJ)

Councilman Derek Mack suggested a restriction on rate increases in the contract. He also showed a preference for a local landscaper.

“I would rather patronize a local vendor if there was one that were to bid on this,” Mack said.

Drinkard said the city prefers local, but proximity does not justify the price difference.

“A local vendor preference is not going to make up for $70,000,” Drinkard said.

According to city documents, the closest competing bid was Real Turf Solutions of Perry, which quoted the city $304,000, more than $131,000 higher than TriScapes. Other bidders priced even higher, and were based in Cochran, Sugar Hill and Zebulon.

TriScapes has satellite locations in Savannah and Augusta, according to their website. Drinkard said their size and scope of services made them more efficient.

Councilman Kevin Lashley speaks in support of the right-of-way mowing contract with TriScapes during a City of Warner Robins Council Meeting on Monday, June 15. (Brieanna Smith/HHJ)

Drinkard and Councilman Kevin Lashley said during the meeting the city is already working with TriScapes. According to city documents, Warner Robins entered into an agreement with the company on June 16, 2025, for overpass maintenance on Corder Road, Russell Parkway, Moody Road, Woodland Drive, Spruce Street and Kimberly Road.

Lashley said TriScapes would be the best choice, given their cost, track record and ability to take on the job.

“The responsibility is on saving money. I don’t doubt that TriScapes can handle the workload. If they’re wanting to build a presence it sounds the alarm for all the other companies, and maybe they need to rethink their pricing,” Lashley said.

The contract requires routine mowing once every two weeks from March to October or as needed for safety reasons, excessive growth or special events. It takes effect on July 1.