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One might think that the mild winter weather would have a positive impact on Tompkins County Highway’s operating budget. But Highway officials note that, in actuality, the effect has been minimal, since the division is operating on a reduced budget with reduced manpower.

The 2010-2011 snow and ice season expense, based on a fiscal year of October 1 through April 30, was 14.9% higher than the previous season, Interim Highway Manager Cheryl Nelson reports. The Highway Division’s 2012 operating budget is based on a calendar year, and the snow and ice operating budget includes the rest of this season, as well as October-December 2012.

“The road salt is purchased through State bid, and we are committed to purchasing a percentage of the contracted amount, which is based on previous years’ use,” Nelson states.

There has been some reduction so far in overtime expense.  In January 2012, Highway spent $11,251 for staff overtime—that’s 40.5% of its prior three year average in overtime expenditures for the month of January.

The snowplows may not be out as often as they usually are in a “normal” winter, but the ten-wheeler dump trucks are being operated instead.  With more than 300 miles of County Roads, the crews have been taking advantage of the milder weather performing ditching and tree-cutting operations in preparation for the upcoming road construction season.

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