OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s DOGE-OK initiative is looking to cut landscaping costs at the State Capitol by investing in automated lawn mowers.
The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) partnered with Stitt and DOGE-OK (Oklahoma Division of Government Efficiency) to acquire seven automated lawn mowers that will mow approximately one acre around the State Capitol’s grounds.
“This is a smart, efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” Stitt said. “We are always looking for ways to reduce spending while maintaining top-tier services. By embracing automation, we’re saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and setting an example for how government can operate more efficiently.”
The seven automated lawn mowers were bought for a combined cost of $24,000.
The automated mowers, referred to as “auto mows”, will replace contracted landscapers who submitted bids to the state totaling between $350,000 and $600,000 annually.
The new mowers are an investment that slash groundskeeping expenses.
“We are committed to adopting technology that improves efficiency and delivers the best value for Oklahomans,” said Bonnie Campo, director of OMES Outreach. “These mowers align with our mission to make government operations smarter and more sustainable.”
State officials are touting the benefits of having automated mowers, saying they naturally manage weeds in the grass without requiring herbicides or pesticides.
The mowers are also equipped with GPS tracking and built-in alarms to ensure security. Also, the mowers’ blades automatically shut off when the mower is lifted to ensure safety.
