Winter road operations cost the city almost $19 million last year, a total that exceeded the city's budget by approximately $1.9 million.
A report slated to be presented to the operations committee on March 19 summarizes the financial results associated with keeping Sudbury's streets and sidewalks cleared over the winter. The report points to an above average amount of snow and freezing rain were contributing factors to going over budget.
During November, Sudbury saw 56 cm of snowfall - 26 cm more than the 30-year average - and in December 75 cm of snow hit the city, which was 12 cm more than the 30-year average of 63 cm.
The biggest hit came through sanding, salting, and plowing where the city spent $8.9 million, more than $2 million over the budgeted $6.8 million. The city did see some savings in both snow removal and sidewalk maintenance, where they came in roughly $155,000 under budget.
"The above average snowfall and freezing rain contributed to an over expenditure of approximately $1.9 million in winter control activities," said the report.
"Large over expenditures occurred in sanding/salting/plowing ($2 million). Freezing rain during the year required an increase use of sand/salt. The over expenditure was partially offset by the miscellaneous winter maintenance and snow removal activities."
Miscellaneous winter road work netted the city a savings of $292,931 for things like asphalt patching, contracted services, road patrol, emergency response, and tool repair.
As per the city's reserve fund policy, any annual over/under expenditures in winter roads operations may be funded/contributed toward the Roads Winter Control Reserve Fund.
