Washington is exploring the possibility of “outsourcing” at least some of its grass-mowing work.

During its meeting Tuesday morning, the council briefly discussed the issue. Councilman Doug Mercer asked to have the subject added to the council’s agenda for that meeting. The council granted his request.

The matter of outsourcing has surfaced as several recent council meetings.

Mercer told the council and Mayor Archie Jennings that he had spoken with Bishop Samuel Jones Jr., co-founder of the Purpose of God Annex, which operates several programs to help adults with criminal pasts rehabilitate themselves, about using some of his clients to mow grass on some city-owned properties. Those properties include parks and cemeteries.

The program, which accepts people who are from 16 to 55 years old, works with local businesses to place those who have run afoul of the law in jobs. The Joneses and others working with them monitor program participants at their jobs to ensure they are succeeding. After six months, the participants graduate, if they meet all requirements imposed on them.

Mercer asked city staff to show Jones those areas now mowed by city workers so Jones could determine if Purpose of God Annex clients could mow them and what equipment they would need to do that work.

Councilman Ed Moultrie asked if outsourcing any or all of the mowing now performed by city workers would result in city workers losing their jobs.

“It would put people to work via Bishop Jones,” the mayor said.

During a council meeting in February, Councilman Gil Davis suggested looking at outsourcing mowing work performed by city public-works and recreation employees.

“We have to look at it. If it’s cheaper, we have to think about it,” Davis said then..

At that same meeting, Mercer suggested the city explore outsourcing residential garbage collection. Currently, city crews pick up residential garbage.

Moultrie said he opposes such a move. He did not elaborate on his opposition to the suggestion.

Mayor Pro Tempore Bobby Roberson said the city should look at outsourcing commercial garbage collection, too.

The council’s exploration of outsourcing some city services and work done by city employees is part of an effort to reduce or eliminate costs in the upcoming 2011-2012 fiscal year budget.