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Greenwich RTM approves $1.325 million interim appropriation for snow removal after record winter costs
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Summary
The RTM approved a $1,325,000 interim appropriation to cover extraordinary 2025–26 snow‑removal costs after committee reports cited 70 inches of snow, depleted salt stocks and extended staff overtime; the measure passed 181‑1‑1.
The Representative Town Meeting on April 2026 approved an interim appropriation of $1,325,000 to cover extraordinary 2025–26 snow‑removal costs, following unanimous committee recommendations and a floor vote that carried 181 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstention.
Moderator Alexis Volgaris introduced item 6 as an interim appropriation presented by Jim Michaels, Commissioner of Public Works. Michaels read the resolution: "So resolved that the total amount of $1,325,000 be appropriated to the accounts listed on the call for additional funding to cover winter 2025–26 snow removal operations." The RTM then received three committee reports supporting the request.
Cheryl Moss, chair of the Public Works Committee, said the committee met jointly with Finance and heard from Commissioner Michaels that the town experienced about 70 inches of snow this past winter compared with a typical average near 35 inches. Moss said storms fell on weekends and holidays, requiring overnight shifts and overtime, salt supplies were depleted and snow was trucked to Tod's Point and Holly Hill. Public Works approved the request 11–0–0 with District 4 absent.
James Waters, chair of the Budget Overview Committee, said that committee voted 12–0–0 to approve the interim appropriation. Waters reported that Commissioner Michaels confirmed the appropriation is intended to restore depleted line items and fully cover anticipated needs through the end of the current fiscal year rather than establish ongoing new spending.
Scott Kalb, chair of the Finance Committee, said Finance also voted 12–0–0 in favor and noted that staff at times worked 30‑hour shifts to clear streets during the storms.
With no members signed up to debate, the RTM proceeded to a vote; the chair noted a brief period of online voting troubleshooting, then closed the vote and reported the tally: 181 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain. The appropriation carried.
Votes at a glance
• Consent calendar (items 1–5): appointments of Donna Loveveil (Flood & Erosion Control Board), Jenny Larkin and Bernard Armstrong (Harbour Management Commission), Joey Hessel (Board of Ethics), and a $142,700 appropriation funded by the 2023 Election Excellence grant for the registrar of voters—adopted on the consent calendar (vote reported as 189 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention).
• Item 6: $1,325,000 interim appropriation for snow removal—adopted (181 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention).
The appropriation will replenish salt stocks, cover overtime and personnel costs for equipment repair and allow spring paving and other accounts previously used to cover snow costs to resume planned operations, according to committee reports. No additional conditions or amendments were recorded.
