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Residents and officials praise Rising Sun public works after major snowstorm; town reports about $35,000 in contractor costs
Summary
A resident thanked Rising Sun crews for sidewalk and snow removal; Town Administrator Cal and other officials said the town spent roughly $35,000 on contractors during the storm, rented equipment to assist residents and warned of likely upcoming water main breaks on aging lines.
A Rising Sun resident praised the town’s snow removal work and town officials described a significant, proactive municipal response that relied on contracted equipment and multiple public‑works staff working long shifts.
"My name is Chrissy Shepherd. I just wanted to, to extend my, thanks for the snow removal this year. It was definitely different, it was definitely needed," Shepherd said during the citizen‑input portion of the meeting.
Town Administrator Cal said the town began preemptively lining up contractors the week before the storm and rented equipment to move snow and help residents. Cal estimated the town spent close to $35,000 on contractor fees and expected additional costs for public‑works overtime. "We've not crunched all the numbers, but before you get involved in the labor of our personnel, the town probably spent close to $35,000 in contractor fees in getting this snow out of there," Cal said.
Cal also described practical limits to snow removal and said the town is considering buying additional equipment to reduce the burden on residents and staff during future storms. Officials thanked the public‑works crew and police officers who operated plows and worked in subzero temperatures; the Mayor and commissioners also expressed appreciation.
Cal warned that aging pipes — some roughly 80 years old — make water‑main breaks likely as freezing and thawing continue, and the town has applied for grants to replace portions of water and sewer infrastructure.
Because the remarks were delivered as part of regular reports and public comment, no new policy was adopted at the meeting. Town leaders said they will continue to evaluate equipment needs and budget implications in the coming months.
