By Meredith McCulloch
Everyone is aware that this has been a snowy winter. Through February Bedford has had 73 inches of snow and 12 storms. Plowing plus sanding added up to 30 events calling crews out on the roads, well above average.
Roy Sorenson, Director, Department of Public Works, said the cost of plowing runs between $7,000 and $10,000 per storm event. There are many variables depending on the nature and the timing of the storm. Many in Bedford take pride in our snow removal and safe streets.
As of February 27 the snow budget was expected go beyond the $220,000 originally budgeted. Last year’s total was $295,000. The Finance Committee is now projecting a total of $300,000. However, the Town will not run out of money for plowing. Under Massachusetts law a municipality may overspend their snow removal budget, the only expense that is allowed to do so.
[In past years the Finance Committee has approved a transfer from the reserve fund. If that is not possible the expense is carried forward and paid in the next fiscal year.]
Correction – March 19: This article has been changed from the original which cited 30 snow storms whereas the total is 12 storms or 30 events including sanding.
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How did the count of 30 storms get determined? It seems we got maybe a dozen storms so far, but some covered more than one day.