Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Winter Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public Works reports heavy winter salt use; supplier warns of steep 2027 price increase
Summary
Director Joe Smith reported 298.64 tons of salt and 1,825 gallons of liquid used since Dec. 29, 2025, and said the City received 200 tons of salt; he relayed Morton Salt's projection that prices could rise from $65/ton to about $150/ton in 2027.
Public Works Director Joe Smith told the Roads & Construction Committee the city has used 298.64 tons of salt and 1,825 gallons of liquid since Dec. 29, 2025 and has received a delivery of 200 tons to replenish stocks. He presented a sequence of winter events (Jan. 14; Jan. 16; Jan. 18–19; Jan. 24–25; Jan. 31) to frame operations.
Director Smith said the City received an email from Morton Salt warning of a projected price increase for 2027: "We currently pay $65/ton for salt. Morton Salt is estimating next year’s cost will be $150/ton," and he attributed the expectation to reduced mine production after previous mild winters. Smith said the city will purchase as much additional salt this year as possible at the lower rate.
