[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=45656.84

[quote]City: Winter-related costs at $624,000

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - City officials hope the rest of the winter is milder than the weather to date.

That's because the city has spent $624,000 since Nov. 17 dealing with snow removal, equipment repair and road treatments, according to Controller John Schaefer.

Schaefer told the City Council on Tuesday expenses reported by city departments were:

• $81,000 in overtime.

• $23,000 in non-routine equipment repair.

• $520,00 in road treatments, including salt.

Schaefer said the city has used about 3,850 tons of salt so far, with 350 tons remaining. The salt reserve would be enough for two more snow or ice storms. Another 500 tons could be purchased with a $200,000 special appropriation built into the budget, he said.

Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.