WEST MEMPHIS, AR -
(WMC-TV) – A lack of funds means the grass cannot be cut on property owned by the city of West Memphis.
The city says there is nothing left in the budget to cut overgrown grass.
Residents like Denaria Garrett and Richard Hawkins are complaining.
"I think about bugs and pests," said Garrett.
"It ain't fun looking at it. Look like a jungle over there," said Hawkins.
Hawkins keeps his lawn carefully manicured. But next door, it is a different story.
"They hardly ever cut the grass. Keep it tall all the time," he said. "I know snakes and stuff are over there."
The city of West Memphis says its already cut 400 lots in 2012. They say they have mowed through the allotted budget for the year.
A warm string caused a boom of unexpected early yard work. Now, city hall plans to put extra pressure on the owners of disheveled, deserted properties to get them to trim and tidy up.
Bob Bennett is a private contractor who is hired to spray weeds. Those must go first before any mower can move in.
City officials say just because they don't have the money doesn't mean they're closed for business, so to speak.
They will be pursing property owners.
There is some money available for emergency situations.
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