Street Department: Snow removal costs continue to rise

It cost $62,504 to remove snow in Decorah in 2014-2015--not counting overtime paid for street workers.

The figure included $36,118 in salt costs, $7,868 in sand costs and $17,977 in hauling costs. 

Snow removal costs were $34,404 in 2011-2012; $56,640 in 2012-2013; and $60,715 in 2013-2014.

City officials are hoping a decrease in the cost of road salt will help hold the line on snow removal costs in 2015-2016.  The city has gotten a price of $77.50 a ton for road salt--a decrease of $2.40/ton.  That price could save the city over $1,000 in costs next winter.