Winamac Park Board Decides Not to Hire Outside Mowing Contractor

Entrance to the Winamac Town Park

The Winamac Park Board has decided not to contract out the mowing of the Town Park, but may use some extra part-time help on an as-needed basis. Park Manager Dave DeLorenzo told board members last week that he’s been able to get some help from other town departments, and when that’s not available, he can get someone to help him part-time. “I know that I have the ability to make a phone call and get a little part-time help,” he said. “I mean a day here or a day there. I’m not going to abuse that, at all.”

The idea had been raised about hiring an outside company to take over at least some of the mowing, but board member Chris Schramm didn’t think that would be very cost-effective. “I did contract mowing for a lot of years, and I based mine $40, $50, $60 an hour,” he said. “My opinion is, like Dave [said], hire a part-time guy. I’ve talked to somebody who’s probably the same one Dave’s talking about who said ‘I’ll come down and help a day or two a week.’ It’s a lot cheaper, since we already have the equipment, to do it that way.”

Meanwhile, town council member Dan Vanaman has also offered to help mow the park free of charge. Schramm felt that many of the town’s residents would be willing to help with various tasks, if asked.