Town Blows Way Through Snow and Ice Budget

The has spent more than its original $175,000 snow and ice budget and asked the Board of Selectmen to declare a snow emergency on Tuesday night. 

According to Town Administrator Greg Balukonis, the DPW spent $203,693 as of Tuesday -- despite only 10 inches of snow so far. Most of the money wasn't spent on snow removal though.

According to the DPW, a majority of the money was spent on pre-storm and post-storm maintenance and overtime. For example, the October snowstorm cost the DPW $31,000 in overtime. They have spent $77,000 total on snow and ice overtime, according to the DPW.

The board at its meeting Tuesday questioned the amount spent on overtime and requested more information from DPW Director Dick Carnevale.

"I need to know how to answer people around town," Selectman Mike Prisco said about the money spent despite little snow.

Last year, 92 inches of snow fell and the DPW spent $900,000 on snow and ice removal. 

The selectmen requested DPW Director Dick Carnevale provide more information regarding overtime costs and costs associated with the October storm. The board will make a decision about whether to grant a snow emergency, which will allow the DPW to spend more than they have in its budget, at its next meeting.