Winter storms strain local budgets and salt supply as crews continue clean up
Towns and cities across the state are working to keep up with recent snowfall, but it’s straining resources and budgets.
“It’s put a drain on our winter clean-up budget, and salt has been in short supply,” said First Selectman in Durham, Brendan Rea.
He explained that salt is currently in short supply, not just in town but everywhere. They have entered into conservation mode to ensure they make it through the winter, but it impacts their cleanup. He estimates they have enough as long as we don’t see any huge winter storms.
“The whole area, the whole state is in a salt shortage, so it’s a concern for sure,” he said.
He also estimated the town’ssnow removal budget is running over. He said the frequency of the storms and the timing are creating the biggest impact.
“We are definitely over budget on snow clean up, and overtime, most of these storms have been on Sunday, and our union gets paid double time, so it’s put a burden on this town for sure,” Rea explained.
But the work presses on. It has to be for public safety, so roads are clear, and crews are still out.
Cross over into Middletown, and crews are making quick work of places like Main Street and are working their way out into the neighborhoods.
“They are usually pretty quick,” said Philipp Aigner, General Manager of Brew Bakers.
He applauded the city for its quick clearing, explaining its importance to businesses like his.
“Definitely, it helps us a lot, if [customers] can’t park, they aren’t going to waste their time, they are going to go somewhere else,” he said.
But all the work has costs climbing there too. The mayor recently requested an additional $450,000 in snow-related funding from the common council to cover the excess costs this year. They typically budget about $400-500,000, but this year they cruised past that budget.
He hopes that will carry them through to spring.
Back in Durham, Rea said crews are hard at work and will remain so until the snow is cleared. It has simply been a harsh winter, but no matter what, you must clear it.
“Our town crew has been working mostly around the clock, and they have had a real rough winter, and just have some patience,” Rea said.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is also working with the State Emergency Management Division to help towns and cities procure salt if needed.
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