Two reserves in Oamaru and one in Kurow should have been mowed in the spring, which might have stopped complaints to the Waitaki District Council from residents about untidy long grass now.
Yesterday, the council discussed the state of Awamoa Park East and Awamoa Park West in Oamaru and the Kurow Railway Reserve after complaints from residents.
Councillors were told it could cost between $5000 and $10,000 a year to increase mowing of the three reserves, although some complained there should be more accurate figures, as well as details about the frequency of mowing.
It also led to a blunt warning by chief executive Michael Ross about the implications when staff had been told to cut expenses to the bone to reduce rates rises, which included reductions in service levels, including mowing reserves.
In the 2009-19 long-term council community plan, the council saved $30,000 by changing its policy on mowing parks and reserves.
Otherwise, Mr Ross said, "you are sending a message to me and my staff that it is no use putting cuts in place when you [councillors] will wilt at pressure from ratepayers."
Community services manager Thunes Cloete indicated that while the frequency of mowing had been reduced at the three reserves, they should have been mowed in the spring by contractor Whitestone Contracting.
He expected them to be mowed within the next few weeks.
The grass height had been discussed with rural fire officer Steve Couper, who said it could be a fire hazard if it dried out.
If it dried, it would be mowed.
Mr Ross said if they had been mowed as scheduled, the issue would probably not have arisen.
The council decided the mowing contract for the three reserves needed to be clarified and, if it was not being met, it needed to be enforced.
Cr Peter Garvan moved the council increase the grass maintenance level of service at the three reserves, estimated to cost $5000 to $10,000, but that motion failed.
He said the public had given a clear message and the council should respond to that.
