Prince William County officials say they expect to spend more time and money than anticipated this year mowing the lawns of foreclosed homes.

Officials are preparing to mow 2,700 lawns three times this year, up from 140 lawns last year.

The county usually takes action when grass grows to a height of 12 inches. But the director of Prince William's Neighborhood Services Division has proposed increasing the limit to 18 inches.

Director Michelle Casciato says the county has received about 500 complaints in recent weeks about uncut grass.

Mowing the lawns of foreclosed homes is expected to cost about $2 million. The county usually fronts the costs, then passes along the bill to the bank that owns the property.