Rutland staff warn of rising salt prices; town explores alternatives and storage changes

Highway foreman Dave Sears told the select board on Sept. 23 that the town has received early-season salt pricing showing large increases and that the town is exploring alternatives to limit cost exposure this winter. Sears said Cargill quoted $112.50 per ton for treated salt and $88.75 per ton for untreated white salt; he described those as substantially higher than the town’s previous contract pricing.

Sears said the state put its salt contract out to bid and then re-bid it; municipalities may be able to “tag on” to a state contract once it is awarded. Sears also reported outreach to regional haulers and local suppliers, including a contact at Apalachee who said he would check pricing with Casella as an alternative.

Operational changes: The town plans to move two liquid salt tanks from indoor to outdoor storage and to spray its own treated salt this year rather than buy pre-treated material. Sears said crews are scheduling equipment readiness — sanders, hydraulic repairs and rebuilds — and will seek state or regional bids if that becomes advantageous.

Why it matters: A 20–25% price increase in treated salt would raise winter maintenance budgets and could affect vehicle and personnel scheduling. The town is exploring contractual options (state contract, local suppliers) and temporary operational changes to reduce cost.

Next steps: Highway staff will seek comparative prices from local suppliers and confirm whether the town can join the state contract once it is awarded; they will report back to the select board during budget preparations.