How Much Did This Winter Cost Wilmington Taxpayers?

Question: How much did snow and ice removal cost Wilmington this winter? It has to be a deficit, right? Where are they going to cut to make up for the deficit?

Answer: The short answer is that we got a heckuva lot of snow and it cost a lot to get rid of it.

According to Town Manager Jeff Hull, the town had budgeted $547,540 for snow and ice removal in Fiscal Year 2013. The actual costs, as of Friday, March 22, was $627,759.

The resulting deficit is $80,219.

The good news is no cuts are likely needed to make up for the deficit. Rather, Town Meeting voters will be asked to transfer excess funds from other town accounts to make up the difference. DPW line items will be looked at first and then, if needed, other town departments.

Hull said he fees confident that the deficit can be dealt with in that manner.