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Elkhart County approves 13 snowplow contractors for 2025-26, sets pay and service standards
Summary
The county approved a roster of 13 snowplow contractors for 2025-26. Subdivision trucks will be paid $105 per hour, main-road drivers $120 per hour; contractors are called at two inches of snow and must finish subdivisions within 12 hours, with discretion for icy conditions.
The Elkhart County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2025-26 snowplow contractor contracts and the department's service standards on Nov. 10.
Sky Wagner of the highway department told the board the county hires contractors annually to cover subdivisions and main roads to avoid putting heavy county trucks in neighborhoods. Wagner listed 13 contractors the county plans to use this winter and said the approach is aimed at efficiency and limiting damage to local roads.
The department described operational thresholds: subdivision contractors are called when snow reaches two inches and have a maximum of 12 hours to complete their assigned routes; main-road drivers cover primary routes and are paid a higher hourly rate. The board was told subdivision drivers are paid $105 per hour per truck and main road drivers $120 per hour. Staff also said the county could call contractors in for targeted treatment if sheets of ice form or if slush buildup creates hazards.
The board voted to approve the contracts and standards as presented. The highway department will post standards on the county website and proceed with contractor coordination for the winter season.
