Since contracting began, mowing complaints have fallen by 95 percent. Parks department employees now concentrate on the large regional parks. Indianapolis initially was contracting to have grass cut every six weeks. Then the city grew more sophisticated. Now, the city contracts with a company to keep the grass less than 4 inches high and pays by the acre.
Monitoring is easier, too.
At random times, someone simply goes out with a ruler. The city should retain a crew and a liaison person. Develop a productivity plan to see if the city service group can compete with the private sector. If the decision to contract is made, it is important to give the contractor a specific plan, so only those trees that require service are trimmed. Contract for outcomes, not inputs.