Viroqua Public Works Committee approves 400‑ton salt order with 80‑ton reserve

The Viroqua Public Works Committee voted unanimously to approve a salt purchase strategy for the 2026–27 winter season that calls for a 200‑ton early fill, a 200‑ton seasonal fill and an 80‑ton reserve.

Sarah, public works staff, told the committee the city used “about 650 all in told” of salt last season and has already purchased 248 tons in 2025, leaving about 152 tons still to purchase. She said the city currently stores roughly 280 tons on site and that staff and council are seeking to secure capacity through the state bid program.

“We have the budget. We have the space. Seems like a smart deal,” Sarah said, adding that state bid prices are fluctuating and that she had seen a current bid price of $99.84 a ton. Sarah recommended a conservative ordering strategy to avoid committing the city to a sudden price spike once the statewide bid is set.

Committee members pressed for clarification on quantities and scheduling. Sarah explained that the state contract requires a commitment to quantities tied to the annual bid and that the city sometimes uses a 20% reserve allocation that is earmarked but not required to be taken. She noted the early-fill window typically runs from about July 1 to early December and that prices historically have been better for early fills.

The committee approved the motion on a roll-call vote; the chair called the roll and recorded yes votes from Seth, Todd, AJ, Tanya and Cindy. Staff said the city’s total snow-and-ice budget is $66,000 and that the $400‑ton ordering plan fits within a conservative scenario that also accounts for routine sidewalk salt, blade and chain expenses.

The committee’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with the bid/allocation strategy and to return if further authorization is needed once exact contract prices become available. The item will move to council for any required final approvals under the city’s procurement rules.