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As Long As It Doesn't Snow Again, We're Going to Be Just Fine
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Feb 15, 2011
Modified Feb 15, 2011
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By
Jaya Saxena
Published Feb 15, 2011
Modified Feb 15, 2011
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This cash strapped city can't really spare another dime to cope with Mother Nature's mood swings. The Department of Sanitation is reportedly almost $40 million over their budget for snow removal operation this year, and we've still got a month to go...or more. Sanitation spokesman Vito Turso said, "The Blizzard of 1888 happened in March, and we've had snow as late as May." Or as early as next week!
The Department of Sanitation was allocated $38.9 million to keep the streets clear this year, but so far has spent $75.7 million. But with rock salt going for $59.90 a ton, what are they supposed to do, use pickle juice? That might cut it out in Shelbyville Bergen County, but this is the Windy Apple!
They also paid $32.8 million in employee overtime, $11 million to rent snow removal equipment and $1 million on sidewalk shoveling day laborers. The city reportedly calculates the year's snow budget by averaging the budgets of the five prior years. Ah yes, always preparing for the last war. Do they have enough room in the budget to buy an almanac?
Tagged
Blizzard
department of sanitation
snow
snow budget
Jaya Saxena
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