The winter of 2015-2016 proved to be much milder than the previous year, which resulted in savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars for Westerville.
Kevin Weaver, Westerville's service director, said the milder winter meant the city spent about $165,000 fighting bad weather. In the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 winters, however, Westerville spend over $600,000. The savings amounted to $500K. According to Weaver, this means his department will only have to buy minimal amounts of salt for next winter.
The savings Westerville enjoyed were similar to those in other communities throughout Ohio. According to Nancy Burton, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Transportation, the state spent $79.6m and used 514,300 tons of salt. However, during the 2014-2015 winter, the figures across the state were $120.4m for 947,303 tons.
Burton said she is not sure exactly how the savings will be used, but they will benefit Ohio drivers. Money that would have gone to buy salt will allow the state and municipalities to get a jump on maintenance projects, such as repairing guard rails, improving drainage, and making minor repairs to the pavement.
Westerville officials might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer for Westerville residents, describing where and when maintenance will be performed. If the projects involve road closures, detours could be suggested.
