Selectmen Declare Snow and Ice Emergency

After hearing a week earlier that the Department of Public Works spent over the snow and ice budget this year, the Board of Selectmen voted to declare a snow and ice emergency for FY '12 on Thursday.

This allows the DPW to spend as they need for the rest of the winter.

Earlier this month, town officials reported that $203,693 was spent out of the snow and ice budget -- more than the original $175,000 budget. However, after a closer look, Town Administrator Greg Balukonis reported Thursday that the DPW has only spent $7,838 over the original budget.

According to Balukonis, the October snowstorm was the main reason for going over budget. The DPW spent $52,757 following the October storm, including $30,125 on private tree contractors and $12,971 on overtime.

“We asked that the DPW curtail their snow and ice spending,“ Balukonis said before the selectmen agreed to declare the emergency.

Every board member was in favor, with the exception of Selectman Sean Delaney.

Click here to see how North Reading's budget compares to other towns.