The City of Sarnia has yet to put a significant dent in this year's winter maintenance budget.
General Manager of Engineering and Operations, David Jackson, said it covers everything from snow removal, to salting operations, and sidewalk maintenance.
"Overall, it's been a really strange winter, but that has been great for the winter maintenance budget, and so, right now we're projecting a surplus for the year," said Jackson. "But, of course, it's the budget for the entire year. So, things could change early next winter as well."
He said just under $1.1 million was budgeted this year.
"Last year we had about an $80,000 surplus in relation to that, so if it's a similar, kind of mild, start of winter at the end of this year, we could be looking at a surplus of $100,000 to $200,000."
Jackson said the surplus funds would be placed in the general operating reserve.
"Which gives us a buffer in future years if there's issues and then this year that operating reserve was partially used to help mitigate the overall budget impact for the year."
Jackson said staff hired in the Public Works roads, water and sewer departments are cross trained to help out with winter maintenance when needed.
"We have 11 plow routes and seven sidewalk routes and there's about 55 staff in all of those departments who are all trained and able to operate the plows and they will all rotate shifts through."
Jackson said contractors are also available.
"We do have a standby fee, just to make sure that they have the equipment dedicated for us when we need it, and then on top of that, they'll be paid when they're actually called out to do work."
The city has dodged significant snowfall so far this year.
