Herriman moves fertilization in‑house after contractor issues; staff cite improved turf and modest savings

Parks staff reported the city brought its fertilization program in‑house this season after identifying inefficiencies with the contractor. The staff presentation said in‑house management improved turf color and thickness, reduced weed presence, and allowed better coordination of fertilizer application with watering schedules.

Staff said the 2025 budget projection of roughly $143,000 (about $88,000 for payroll and $55,000 for materials) tracked closely with actuals and that hiring a full‑time employee to manage the program allowed part of that position’s time to support other department needs during the year. Councilmembers praised the operational improvements and singled out parks employee Caden Webb for leadership on the effort.

Staff recommended continuing the in‑house program for the coming season and offered to identify other maintenance tasks that could be brought in‑house where cost‑effective.