Murray may be mowing more roadsides next year

Published 10:27 pm Saturday, December 26, 2009

State roadways in Murray County may not get mowed as often next year, unless the county government is willing to step in, says county commissioner David Ridley.

“I think they (the state) only mowed the roads once this year, so the county may have to assist with mowing some of the county roads in Murray County in 2010,” Ridley said.

Ridley said he has been talking to state officials to get a feel for how likely state budget cuts next year will affect Murray County. So far, he says, the answers have been vague because no one knows what programs and departments will be most affected by any cuts. But he says the cuts will hurt.

“This will trickle down to local governments and place more responsibilities on us,” he said.

Ridley said the state Department of Transportation sent an e-mail to counties asking them to mow along some roads this year.

“I don’t think any counties did that, but it may become an issue in 2010,” he said.

The county’s $15.92 million budget for 2009 will be reduced 3.7 percent to a projected $15.33 million in 2010, finance director Tommy Parker said earlier this month. He noted the county did not spend $15.92 million this year as cuts were made throughout the year.