Westchase Sprinkler Systems Under Repair

It was a shock to some of the Westchase's Community Development District supervisors.

The community would need to make more than $30,000 in repairs to its sprinkler and irrigation system to bring it up to par.

That was the finding of an audit done by , the community's new landscaping company hired this summer. The information was presented at the board's December meeting.

"Why are we getting this bill now," asked supervisor Mark Ragusa at that meeting.

The answer is still unclear.

Westchase's former landscaper, Vila and Sons, filed for bankruptcy in July and lost its Westchase contract.

An audit conducted by the new landscape company, Mainscape, when they were granted the Westchase contract uncovered $32,000 in needed repairs; mainly for old and bent sprinkler heads.

"You know how you see some of the sprinklers spraying out into the street," explained Westchase's field supervisor Doug Mays. "That's because they're bent."

The malfunctioning sprinkler heads can result in wasted water and increased utility bills. Despite the findings, Westchase CDD supervisors found it hard to spend the entire $32,000 needed for the repairs.

"I think this exceeds our threshold," Ragusa said. "I think you have to build it out."

Supervisor Ernie Sylvester agreed with Ragusa.

"I think this company has done a remarkable job," Sylvester said referring to Mainscape. "We need to review a little bit closer."

In the end the supervisors agreed to pay for $19,000 of the repairs. Mainscape will foot the rest of the bill.

Supervisor Brian Ross suggested a solution to future shock audits.

"I believe the most important audit is the last one 30-60 days before the ending of a contract," Ross said.

Mainscape has begun the sprinkler head repairs. The job should be finished soon, Mays said.