“They are elderly people who have family who are not able to assist them,” Birdsong said.
Trotwood can cite residents if the grass is longer than eight inches and most of those cited was for this reason. If the city has to step in and mow the lawn, it can result in a $300 fine, Birdsong said. Trotwood puts $260 of the fine towards administrative fees. The remaining money is used to contract help to cut the grass.
Volunteers are also helping elderly Trotwood residents mow their lawns.
“A group of residents came to the city and are helping mow lawns for free,” Birdsong said. “This is helpful because we don’t want to continue to fine residents every time we have to cut it.”
In Fairborn, citizens are able to rent tools from the city’s Tool Lending Closet for 24 hours to do yard work.
“We provide lawn mowers, ladders and weed eaters to low income families,” said Missy Frost, Fairborn Community Development Coordinator. “All they have to do is call us.”
The Tool Lending Closet is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. To set up an appointment to rent equipment or learn more about eligibility guidelines call 937-754-3060.
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