Cutting corners on servicing has left a town council facing a £7,000 bill for a new grass cutter.
And there is no money in the kitty to pay for one.
When Thame Town Council workmen got out the Kubota ride-on grass cutter for the start of the growing season, they found it was badly in need of repair.
Finance committee chairman Paul Gleeson said: "The pigeons have come home to roost."
The council has other mowers. A report on whether the council can manage without a third is to be presented to the full council meeting.
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