Community Corner

Knox: Snow Budget 'Exhausted' in Malden

After tackling a couple snowstorms this winter, the snow budget has already been "exhausted," according to DPW Director Bob Knox Jr.

After tackling a couple snowstorms this winter, the snow budget has already been "exhausted," according to DPW Director Bob Knox Jr.

The DPW's snow maintenance budget was $200,000; however, $450,000 was spent dealing with recent snowstorms, according to Knox.

"Year to date we have already exhausted the current year’s snow budget. Any costs above the budget will have to be made up next fiscal year," he said. "The costs vary from year to year and are very difficult to predict. For example, two years ago we only spent $200,000 on snow removal."

The city has spent about $180,000 for salt, $130,000 for private contracting services, $100,000 in DPW overtime and miscellaneous stock and repairs were $40,000, according to Knox.

"The approximate cost of the Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 storm was $185,000. This was the most expensive storm given the duration of the snow fall (approximately 32 hours); the amount of snow to clear (approximately 15 inches); and the additional services needed to clear sidewalks and increase walkability for pedestrians," Knox said. "I want to thank the efforts of all the departments that worked together to make the snow operations a success."

Like this year, the city had to go over the $200,000 budgeted for snow maintenance last year, spending $1.1 million, according to Knox. Fortunately, the DPW was able to upgrade some of their fleet and thus far have dealt with fewer mechanical issues.

"Thanks to the efforts of Mayor Gary Christenson and the City Council, the approval of the Capital Improvement Plan allowed us five new winter trucks," Knox said. "With the addition of new equipment along with the work of the DPW staff in maintaining the equipment, we have been fortunate so far this year that only minor repairs have been necessary." 


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