Snow Overtime Likely Double 2009 Figures

The record snow fall in the first two months of 2010 has led the town to spend more than budgeted for snow removal.

Town Administrator Jim Gildea said that while he did not have the numbers readily available, projections have shown the town has spent more on overtime for snow removal than in 2009. In addition the town has needed to replenish the supply of salt for the roads.

He said that in 2009, the Department of Public Works utilized a total of 800 hours of overtime for snow removal. The DPW has exceeded that number this year.

"This year we are easily double that," he said.

The DPW has contended with the two large storms in February, including the blizzard which dumped 17.5 inches of snow on Westfield, the largest for any town in the New York metro region for the storm. The overtime also includes several smaller snow falls in town.

Gildea said he is currently reviewing town salt supplies and the town will likely need to budget extra money for salt for the remainder of the year. Gildea and public works officials are remembering the large snow fall in the December storm last year and worry one will occur later this year.

The snow budget writing comes as the town is facing increasing budget woes and likely layoffs in the 2010 budget. The town has also implemented a hiring freeze and is looking to abolish the human services department to save money in the new budget.