Seekonk Selectmen Looking to Subcontract Grass Cutting Work

The Seekonk selectmen discussed the open of subcontracting grass cutting work to local landscaping companies.

“Other communities have looked at this for saving money,” selectman chair Gary Sagar said. “We probably won’t have any time to do something this coming July.”

Superintendent of public works Robert Lamoureux said there could be issues with the DPW union.

“The union would contest it,” he said. “This would be taking work away from them, they would definitely contest this.”

Lamoureux added contractors work for several different clients, and immediate cutting and work would not be available as scheduling would be difficult.

“They’re not going to be able to do that,” he said. “I think we need to consider all the variables here.”

Lamoureux also said there would not be many savings in the plan, as contractors would have to be paid a similar wage.

Sagar said the initial savings were not his concern for the possibility of the change, but rather a way to free up resources within the DPW.

“I think this is a way of freeing up personnel to help with these things,” he said.