Snow Storms Stretch DPW Budget

Bruce Berry, director of the Amherst Department of Public Works, said the first two snow storms of this winter season definitely made their presence felt in his annual snow removal budget. But overall, he is confident they will be OK until spring.

He said his supplies of sand and salt to treat Amherst's 122 miles of roads are still plentiful, even though they have already used about 40 percent, or 800 tons, of the 2,000 tons that were purchased.

But just the fact that it is early January is always cause for worry, he said. “I never feel confident. I can control a lot of things, but I can’t control the weather.”

Last year, Berry said the town didn’t have any real significant snow until February and March, and this year the first two big snow storms came earlier. Earlier storms take a toll on his overtime budget, 95 percent of which is devoted to winter snow removal.

“In some respects, we’ve got the coverage and you’ve got to keep the roads open” regardless of what it costs, Berry said. “Every year is different. Every winter is different.”

Berry said the total public works budget that went into effect in July 2013 was $2,742,812. 

While some town residents may criticize the job that Berry and his employees do when it snows, he finds most people in town appreciate their efforts.

One thing he would like town residents to understand is that unlike fire departments that have mutual aid and fresh firefighters when needed, the public works doesn't have any reinforcements.

"When there is a 36-hour snow storm, the same guy who is driving the snow plow truck in the beginning of the storm is driving the snow plow at the end of it," Berry said.

“I am very appreciative and understanding of the tolerance and patience that many Amherst residents have,” he said. “It’s not a popularity contest. I am not going to make everyone happy.”