News

Snow removal costly this winter in county

Scott Wagar

04/02/2013

With the heavy snow fall this winter, Bottineau County has seen a lot of crews out working the roadways to keep them clean, safe and travelable for those using the thoroughfares.

With crews working long hours, and the large amount of fuel to operate heavy equipment in winters with inclement weather, financial cost for snow removal has increased.

When it comes to Bottineau County, a lot of governing bodies in the county have seen increased costs come to their budgets, but fortunately because of the mild winter in 2012 it hasn’t affected their budgets for 2013.

“A lot of cost for snow removal is passed on to the entities like townships, cities, private places we do snow removal for,” said Lisa Herbel, auditor for Bottineau County. “Our main cost is fuel for the equipment and overtime for the road men. When I am budgeting, we have to budget for North Dakota winters; and, North Dakota winters involve snow removal. Last year, our expenses were less than budgeted for. So, we had money carry over and we are in good shape.”

The county auditor office gave comparisons in snow removal over the past three years for the following townships:
 

  •  Roland Township: 2011 First Quarter - $5,750; 2012 First Quarter - $2,575; 2013 First Quarter - $6,663
  •  Eidsvold Township: 2011 First Quarter - $6,350; 2012 First Quarter - $75; 2013 First Quarter - $4,735.
  •  Lansford Township: 2011 First Quarter – $4,925; 2012 First Quarter - $450; 2013 First Quarter - $2,875


BOTTINEAU

The city of Bottineau does budget for snow removal through a method of one line item. Instead, it is a combination of salaries and fuel costs, which comes out of the Street Fund.
Accord to Keith Fulsebakke, superintendent of the city of Bottineau, employees’ salaries and fuel for snow removal in 2013 is higher than 2012 with the mild winter.

“In 2012, the city spent $6,053,” Fulsebakke said. “While in 2013 the cost has been $53,108.”

Fulsebakke added that in 2011, the cost was $58,888.

With large amounts of snow, comes large amounts of money for the communities in the county.

Hopefully, spring will come soon; eliminate snow removal; and the cost it takes to maintain the communities when it comes to snow.