Cities paying the price as snow accumulates

By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

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Street departments budgets and snow

Street department budgets are taking a hit from earlier-than-expected snow. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jan 9, 2009 at 5:12 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 12, 2009 at 11:49 PM EST

MISHAWAKA — Street departments are stretching their resources to curb rising costs of keeping roads clear of accumulating snow.

It's the first significant snowfall of 2009 and that means big business for Dave Gatchell's plowing service.

"I'll be busy the rest of the afternoon and evening," said Gatchell. "If we get what they're talking about for tomorrow, I'll be busy tomorrow morning again."

Moving his plow back and forth in lot after lot, he stands to make hundreds of dollars Friday.

But it's a different story for cities like South Bend and Mishawaka. They're putting into motion efforts to clear the snow.

"We have over 400 lane miles in Mishawaka to try and take care of," said Mike Watson, Transportation Commissioner for the city of Mishawaka.

And, they're watching their wallets.

With 3,500 tons of salt in South Bend and 1,500 tons in Mishawaka, a price increase per ton for the salt forces these two cities to get creative to stretch resources.

"It has increased quite a bit," said Mark Horvath, with South Bend's Street Department. "That's why we have a mix that we make."

Horvath says mixing the salt with liquid calcium and/or sand, to prolong the melting effects, works efficiently.

"We've spent $102,000 on salt for 2008 and 2009 and in December," said Watson.

Overtime melts away thousands of dollars from their budget, in both cities.

"I've probably spent $25,000 on overtime to remove that snow," said Watson.

"Three inches of snow has to be cleared off the streets and side streets as much as eight inches," said Horvath.

Mishawaka ordered their salt supply toward the end of November. They still have more than half their supply remaining. They've allocated enough in their budget to buy several thousand additional tons of salt.

Potholes are another problem. The warmer temperatures a few weeks ago allowed the cities to work to fill in those potholes. But they're expecting more pothole problems with another bitter blast on the way, and promise they'll get right on it again once the weather permits.

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