County Sets Cost of ’09-’10 Winter Snow Removal at $2.7M

From the Harford County Government:

The winter of 2009 – 2010 was one of the worst in the history ofthe state in terms of snowfall, and one of the costliest for Harford County government as well. Total cost for snow removal, including salt purchases, overtime and contractor utilization was $2.764,000. The FY 10 budget for snow and ice removal was $1.5 million.

Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways tallied 43,148.30 hours of overtime this winter for snow and ice removal. Additionally five county employees suffered various injuries while performing duties related to snow removal. None of the injuries were life threatening.

“This was one of the most difficult and challenges winters on record and our county employees stepped up and successfully met the challenges of this record-setting winter for snowfall,” stated County Executive David R. Craig. “The February snow storm which dumped nearly three feet of snow throughout Harford County tested the endurance for Division of Highways personnel and other dedicated county employees who worked for days to return Harford County to a normal state. I am extremely proud of our workforce and their tireless efforts on behalf of the citizens we serve,” remarked County Executive Craig.

In FY 09, Harford County budgeted $1,842,821 for snow removal and spent $1,608,217. The $2.7 million expenditure for this year was the most spent on snow and ice removal by Harford County government since FY 96 when the county spent $2,376,424.

During the February snow storm, more than 165 county personnel using 145 piecesof equipment and more than 20 private contractors worked throughout the week to clear snow and ice from more than 1,000 road miles throughout Harford County.