Richmond auditor: Consolidate grounds maintenance

Richmond could save $411,500 per year if it consolidates its grass-cutting and other grounds maintenance, according to the city auditor.

City Auditor Umesh Dalal released this week a report recommending that seasonal grounds work of the Richmond Public Schools and the city's department of public utilities be consolidated under its department of public works. That department was found to have the largest and most efficient grounds-maintenance operation.

The move would initially cost about $177,000, for a computerized work-order system and two prefabricated buildings that would be needed, according to the auditor's report.

However, it would quickly pay for itself, producing cumulative net savings of $234,500 and $646,000 after the second and third years, respectively, according to estimates.

The potential benefits include more streamlined use of city personnel, better planning and training, and greater consistency in service, according to the report. It also recommends additional outsourcing.

The report does not recommend that the maintenance of city cemeteries and the floodwall be part of the consolidation because of the unique aspects of those operations.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones sees the recommendations as a potential starting point for making the city government more efficient, press secretary Tammy D. Hawley said. "We've been looking forward to receiving this report," she said.

Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or .