Winter Storms Are Melting Snow Removal Budgets

The winter of 2013-14 is quickly melting away the town's snow removal budget, according to the Department of Public Works Director David Kehew. 

The town of Portsmouth has spent 75 percent of its snow budget as of last Thursday (before Friday's storm). 

The budget for snow removal materials is $80,000. The town has spent $60,000 to date, leaving a balance of $20,000, according to Kehew. 

The budget for overtime snow removal is also down. The town of Portsmouth has spent $25,000 of its $46,000 budget. 

"We have material in our yard (stock) for two storms (four) treatments before we have to order additional materials," Kehew wrote in an e-mail to Town Administrator John Klimm, which was shared with Patch. 

"It is important to remember that inches of snow does not equate to savings," Kehew wrote. "We have had six snow events so far, and a typical season that we budget for is 10 events." 

Editor's note: The e-mail from Kehew was written prior to Friday morning's snowstorm. 

What do you think the town should do for snow removal costs? Tell us in the comment section below.