Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Upton reports snow-and-ice account nearly exhausted after 13 storms
Summary
DPW Director Dennis Westgate told the Select Board the town has spent about $254,000 of a $260,000 snow-and-ice budget after 13 events, citing large salt and labor costs and limited use of calcium chloride because of cost and corrosiveness.
DPW Director Dennis Westgate told the Upton Select Board on Jan. 20 that the town has experienced 13 snow events so far this season and has spent approximately $254,000 of the $260,000 snow-and-ice appropriation.
Westgate provided a line-item breakdown of expenditures: about $138,000 for salt, roughly $58,000 for labor, $15,000 for contractors and $43,000 for repairs and supplies. He said the town's salt shed currently holds about 250 tons following a recent delivery. He also noted the town has limited use of calcium chloride for extreme cold because of its higher cost and corrosive effects on infrastructure and equipment.
Board members asked questions about future storm expectations and the potential need for additional funding. No formal vote or transfer was recorded in the minutes; the update was presented as an informational report and discussed by the board.
The report signals the likelihood of further budget decisions if additional storm activity occurs; the board did not take action at the meeting to increase the appropriation. The next step is for staff to monitor expenditures and return with recommendations if supplemental funding or budget transfers become necessary.
